Hurricane Helene: Difference between revisions

| fatalities = 233234

| damage = 8790000000089300000000

| damage-suffix = (Unofficial estimates) <!-- Do not remove until consensus against its existence is established -->

'''Hurricane Helene''' ({{IPAc-en|h|ɛ|ˈ|l|iː|n|audio=en-us-Helene.oga}} {{respell|heh|LEEN}})<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlantic Basin Storm Name Pronunciations |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/pdf/aboutnames_pronounce_atlc.pdf |access-date=September 26, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center}}</ref> was a devastating [[tropical cyclone]] that caused widespread destructioncatastrophic damage and numerousmany fatalities across the [[Southeastern United States]] in late September 2024. It was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the [[Big Bend (Florida)|Big Bend region]] of [[Florida]], the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since [[Hurricane Maria|Maria]] in [[2017 Atlantic hurricane season|2017]], and the deadliest to strike the mainland U.S. since [[Hurricane Katrina|Katrina]] in [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|2005]].<ref name="Helene180">{{cite news |last=Sutton |first=Joe |date=October 2, 2024 |title=Helene death toll rises to at least 191 |url=https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-helene-damage-north-carolina-10-02-24#cm1sj7hsv0000356o4uy596tj |access-date=October 2, 2024 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref><ref name="ycc">{{Cite web |last1=Masters |first1=Jeff |last2=Henson |first2=Bob |date=October 2, 2024 |title=Helene is now the deadliest mainland U.S. hurricane since Katrina |url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/10/helene-is-now-the-deadliest-mainland-u-s-hurricane-since-katrina/ |access-date=October 2, 2024 |publisher=Yale Climate Connections|location=New Haven, Connecticut}}</ref>

The eighth [[Tropical cyclone naming|named storm]], fifth [[Atlantic hurricane|hurricane]], and second [[Saffir–Simpson scale#Categories|major hurricane]] of the [[2024 Atlantic hurricane season]], Helene began forming on September&nbsp;22 as a broad low -pressure system in the western [[Caribbean Sea]].<ref name="beginning" /> By September&nbsp;24, the disturbance had consolidated enough to become a tropical storm as it approached the [[Yucatán Peninsula]], receiving the name ''Helene'' from the [[National Hurricane Center]]. Weather conditions led to the cyclone's intensification, and it became a hurricane early on September&nbsp;25. More pronounced and [[rapid intensification]] ensued as Helene traversed the [[Gulf of Mexico]] the following day, reaching Category&nbsp;4 intensity on the evening of September&nbsp;26. Late on September&nbsp;26, Helene made [[landfall]] at peak intensity in the Big Bend region of Florida, near the city of [[Perry, Florida|Perry]], with [[maximum sustained wind]]s of 140&nbsp;mph (220&nbsp;km/h). Helene weakened as it moved quickly inland before degenerating to a [[post-tropical cyclone]] over [[Tennessee]] on September&nbsp;27. The storm then stalled over the state before dissipating on September&nbsp;29.

In advance of Helene's landfall, [[state of emergency|states of emergency]] were declared in [[Florida]] and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] due to the significant impacts expected, including very high [[storm surge]] along the coast and hurricane-force gusts as far inland as [[Atlanta]]. [[Tropical cyclone warnings and watches|Hurricane warnings]] also extended further inland due to Helene's fast motion. The storm caused catastrophic rainfall-triggered [[flooding]], particularly in [[western North Carolina]], [[East Tennessee]], and [[Southwest Virginia|southwestern Virginia]], and spawned numerous [[tornado]]es. Helene also inundated [[Tampa Bay]], breaking [[storm surge]] records throughout the area. As of November 619, at least 233234 deaths and nearly $8889 billion in damage has been attributed to the storm.

On September&nbsp;17, the [[National Hurricane Center]] (NHC) highlighted the potential for [[tropical cyclogenesis]] in the western Caribbean Sea.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Blake |first1=Eric |title=Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202409172324&basin=atl&fdays=7 |publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]] |date=September 17, 2024 |location=Miami, Florida |access-date=September 23, 2024 |archive-date=September 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922130427/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202409172324&basin=atl&fdays=7 |url-status=live }}</ref> Conditions conducive for development of a tropical cyclone resulted from the interaction of the [[Central American gyre]]—a broad monsoon low pressure system—and the [[Madden–Julian Oscillation]], which reinforced the large-scale cyclonic flow extending from the eastern Pacific Ocean to the western Caribbean Sea.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gpm.nasa.gov/applications/weather/news/powerful-hurricane-helene-makes-landfall-floridas-big-bend|title=Powerful Hurricane Helene Makes Landfall in Florida's Big Bend|date=September 27, 2024|access-date=September 29, 2024|website=Global Precipitation Measurement |publisher=National Aeronautics and Space Administration|last=Lang|first=Steve|editor-last=Reed|editor-first=Jacob|others=Animation by Jason West}}</ref> Several days later, on September&nbsp;22, a broad low-pressure area developed within the western Caribbean.<ref name="beginning">{{cite report |last1=Reinhart |first1=Brad |title=Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202409221151&basin=atl&fdays=7 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |date=September 22, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923123551/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202409221151&basin=atl&fdays=7 |url-status=live}}</ref> As the system traversed an environment conducive for tropical cyclone development,<ref>{{cite report |last1=Kelly |first1=Larry |title=Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202409222322&basin=atl&fdays=7 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024 |archive-date=September 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923123551/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202409222322&basin=atl&fdays=7 |url-status=live}}</ref> showers and thunderstorms associated with the disturbance gradually consolidated.<ref>{{cite report|last1=Reinhart |first1=Brad |title=Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202409231132&basin=atl&fdays=7|location=Miami, Florida |publisher=National Hurricane Center |date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=September 23, 2024}}</ref> Due to the system's imminent threat to land, it was designated [[Glossary of tropical cyclone terms#P|Potential Tropical Cyclone]] ''Nine'' on September&nbsp;23.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Reinhart |first1=Brad |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.discus.001.shtml? |title=Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine Discussion Number 1 |date=September 23, 2024 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |access-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924004521/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.discus.001.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref> The next day, [[53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron|Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters]] aircraft found that the system was producing flight-level winds of {{Convert abbreviated|52|mph|km/h}} and had developed a better-defined center; the NHC accordingly upgraded the system to Tropical Storm ''Helene'' at 15:00&nbsp;UTC.<ref name="NOAA 09/24/2024">{{cite report |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.discus.005.shtml? |last1=Berg |first1=Robbie |title=Tropical Storm Helene Discussion Number 5 |date=September 24, 2024 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |access-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924203156/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.discus.005.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref> The system continued strengthening, with [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] and Air Force Reserve [[Hurricane hunters|Hurricane Hunters]] finding that Helene's maximum winds had increased to {{Convert abbreviated|80|mph|km/h}}. As a result, NHC upgraded the system to a hurricane by 15:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;25, as it entered the [[Gulf of Mexico]] while turning north. An [[trough (meteorology)|upper-level trough]] to its west and a ridge of [[High-pressure area|high pressure]] located off the Southeastern United States both served to steer the cyclone towards the [[U.S. Gulf Coast]].<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.fstadv.009.shtml? |last1=Berg |first1=Robbie |title=Hurricane Helene Advisory Number 9 |date=September 25, 2024 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |access-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926161852/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.fstadv.009.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref> Helene was a very large system,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Freedman |first=Andrew |date=September 25, 2024 |title=Why Hurricane Helene's large size, rapid intensification make it a threat |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/09/25/hurricane-helene-large-size-rapid-intensification |access-date=September 25, 2024 |website=Axios}}</ref> with the NHC noting in multiple forecast discussions that the forecast storm radii were "at the 90th percentile of hurricane size at similar latitudes".<ref>{{cite reportname="NOAA |url=https:09//www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.discus.005.shtml? |last1=Berg |first1=Robbie |title=Tropical Storm Helene Discussion Number 5 |date=September 26, 2024 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |access-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924230232/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.discus.005.shtml" |url-status=live}}</ref>

After remaining steady in intensity for a while due to its broad size and some [[entrainment (meteorology)|entrainment]] of drier air to its west, Helene recovered quickly and began its [[rapid intensification]] early on the morning of September&nbsp;26{{snd}}aided by low mid-level [[wind shear]], high [[Humidity#Relative humidity|relative humidity]] values and [[sea surface temperature]]s (SSTs) exceeding {{convert|30|C|F}} near the [[Loop Current]]&nbsp;— as an increasingly defined [[eye (cyclone)|eye]] developed, reaching Category&nbsp;2 intensity at 12:00&nbsp;UTC.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.discus.013.shtml? |last1=Cangialosi |first1=John |title=Hurricane Helene Discussion Number 13 |date=September 26, 2024 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |access-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926214053/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.discus.013.shtml? |url-status=live }}</ref> Quickly strengthening, by 18:25&nbsp;UTC Helene was found to have become a [[Saffir–Simpson scale#Categories|major hurricane]] by Hurricane Hunters,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Cangialosi |first1=John |last2=Berg |first2=Robbie |last3=Brown |first3=Daniel |date=September 26, 2024 |title=...Air Force Hurricane Hunters Find Helene a Major Hurricane... |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.update.09261824.shtml? |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927014357/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.update.09261824.shtml? |url-status=live}}</ref> and four hours later, a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.update.09262218.shtml? |title=Hurricane Helene Update Statement: 620 EDT |last1=Cangialosi |first1=John |last2=Brown |first2=Daniel |date=September 26, 2024 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |last3=Berg |first3=Robbie |access-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927153330/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.update.09262218.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref> The hurricane attained its peak intensity later that night with [[maximum sustained wind]] of 140&nbsp;mph (220&nbsp;km/h) and a minimum barometric pressure of {{convert|938|mbar|inHg|2}} at 3:10&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;27 as it made landfall east of the center of the [[Aucilla River]] about {{convert|10|mi|km}} west-southwest of [[Perry, Florida]],<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.update.09270318.shtml |title=Hurricane Helene Tropical Cyclone Update |author1=Lisa Bucci |author2=Matt Sardi |author3=Daniel Brown |author4=Richard Pasch |author5=Andrew Hagen |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927040928/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.update.09270318.shtml |archive-date=September 27, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> becoming the strongest hurricane to strike Florida's [[Big Bend (Florida)|Big Bend]] region.<ref name="Weather Channel Storm's inland Trek">{{cite news |last1=Erdman |first1=Jonathan |last2=Dolce |first2=Chris |title=Tropical Storm Helene's Inland Trek Producing Catastrophic Flooding, Damaging Winds |url=https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2024-09-26-hurricane-helene-forecast-landfall-florida-southeast |access-date=September 27, 2024 |work=The Weather Channel |date=September 27, 2024 |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927003608/https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2024-09-26-hurricane-helene-forecast-landfall-florida-southeast |url-status=live }}</ref> Rapid weakening occurred as the storm tracked inland, and by the time it reached Georgia at 05:00&nbsp;UTC the next day, it had weakened into a Category&nbsp;2 hurricane.<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.update.09270500.shtml|title=Hurricane Helene Tropical Cyclone Update |author1=Philippe Papin|author2=Jack Beven|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida |date=September 27, 2024 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927073025/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.update.09270500.shtml?|archive-date=September 27, 2024}}</ref> Weakening further, it became a tropical storm over east central Georgia a few hours later.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Beven |first1=Jack |title=Tropical Storm Helene Discussion Number 16 |date=September 27, 2024 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.discus.016.shtml? |access-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927130827/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.discus.016.shtml? |url-status=live }}</ref> After a few hours, it weakened and became a tropical depression near the Kentucky-Tennessee border, northeast of [[Cookeville, Tennessee]].<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.public_a.017.shtml? |last1=Cangialosi |first1=John |title=Tropical Depression Helene Intermediate Advisory Number 17A|date=September 27, 2024 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |access-date=September 27, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003044810/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.public_a.017.shtml?|archive-date=2024-10-03}}</ref> It rapidly became a [[post-tropical cyclone]] and eventually dissipated on September&nbsp;29.

The [[Coastal Georgia|coast of Georgia]] was placed under tropical storm warnings. In contrast, southwestern Georgia was placed under a hurricane warning which extended as far north into the state as [[Spalding County]], and all [[tropical storm watch]]es in Georgia were replaced with [[tropical storm warning]]s as far north as the [[Tennessee]] and Georgia state border. The [[National Weather Service]] in [[Peachtree City]] accidentally issued a hurricane warning for [[Jackson County, Georgia|Jackson County]] when it was supposed to be a tropical storm warning.<ref name="wabe atlanta school">{{Cite web |last=Murry |first=Kenny |date=September 25, 2024 |title=The latest metro Atlanta school closings as Hurricane Helene enters Georgia |url=https://www.wabe.org/metro-atlanta-school-closings-on-horizon-as-state-prepares-for-hurricane-helene/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930030613/https://www.wabe.org/metro-atlanta-school-closings-on-horizon-as-state-prepares-for-hurricane-helene/ |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=WABE |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Robbie |date=September 25, 2024 |title=Hurricane Helene Intermediate Advisory Number 9A |url= https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al09/al092024.public_a.009.shtml? |access-date=September 25, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center }}</ref><ref name="Fox 5 Atlanta Live">{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2024 |title=Live Helene updates: Hurricane Warning issued for southwestern Georgia |url=https://www.fox5atlanta.com/weather/atlanta-weather-powerful-tropical-cyclone-will-impact-georgia |access-date=September 25, 2024 |website=Fox 5 Atlanta |language=en-US |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925020546/https://www.fox5atlanta.com/weather/atlanta-weather-powerful-tropical-cyclone-will-impact-georgia |url-status=live }}</ref>

In addition, on the night of September&nbsp;26, an [[extreme wind warning]] was issued for portions of southern Georgia, including [[Valdosta, Georgia|Valdosta]].<ref>{{Cite tweet |title=An extreme wind warning is in effect for Valdosta GA, Thomasville GA, Quitman GA until 2:00 AM EDT for extremely dangerous hurricane winds. Treat these imminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to an interior room or shelter NOW!| user=NWSTallahassee |number=1839502360345018705}}</ref> On September&nbsp;24, in preparation for Helene, officials in the counties of [[Bryan County, Georgia|Bryan]], [[Candler County, Georgia|Candler]], and [[Chatham County, Georgia|Chatham]] began mobilizing emergency response centers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Speck |first1=Emilee |title=Georgia on alert as Helene expected to bring widespread impacts after crashing into Florida |url=https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/georgia-helene-widespread-impacts-southeast |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=Fox Weather |date=September 24, 2024 |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924163046/https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/georgia-helene-widespread-impacts-southeast |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Colquitt County, Georgia|Colquitt]], [[Thomas County, Georgia|Thomas]], and [[Decatur County, Georgia|Decatur counties]] opened shelters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coleman |first=Jamiya |date=September 24, 2024 |title=Shelters to open in the Big Bend, South Georgia ahead of Hurricane Helene |url=https://www.wctv.tv/2024/09/25/shelters-open-big-bend-south-georgia-ahead-hurricane-helene/ |access-date=September 26, 2024 |website=WCTV |language=en |archive-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925223703/https://www.wctv.tv/2024/09/25/shelters-open-big-bend-south-georgia-ahead-hurricane-helene/ |url-status=live }}</ref> That same day, [[Governor of Georgia|Governor]] [[Brian Kemp]] issued a state of emergency for Georgia since Helene was expected to track into the state.<ref>{{cite news |title=Live Helene updates: Watches issued in Georgia as governor declares state of emergency |url=https://www.fox5atlanta.com/weather/atlanta-weather-powerful-tropical-cyclone-will-impact-georgia |access-date=September 24, 2024 |workname="Fox 5 Atlanta |date=September 23,Live" 2024}}</ref> In Thomas County, the Public Works Department began providing sandbags due to the storm.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Lenah |title=Thomas Co. Public Works providing sandbags ahead of potential hurricane |url=https://www.walb.com/2024/09/24/thomas-co-public-works-providing-sand-bags-ahead-potential-hurricane/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=WALB |date=September 24, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924150239/https://www.walb.com/2024/09/24/thomas-co-public-works-providing-sand-bags-ahead-potential-hurricane/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

|<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 3, 2024|title=Hurricane Helene live updates: More than 200 dead as hope fades in search for survivors|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/live-blog/hurricane-helene-live-updates-rcna173767|access-date=October 3, 2023|website=NBC News|language=en}}</ref><ref name="maya 417"/><ref name="The Augusta Chronicle UGA">{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Dave |title=UGA early estimates set losses to Georgia farms due to Hurricane Helene at $6.46 billion |url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/state/2024/10/11/georgia-farmers-lost-an-estimated-6-46-billion-due-to-hurricane-helene/75617469007/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=The Augusta Chronicle |language=en-US}}</ref>

|102103 (26)

|<ref name="Helene180" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Closson |first1=Troy |last2=Morales |first2=Christina |date=2024-10-05 |title=Missing People, Power Outages, Ruined Roads: Issues Across the Southeast After Helene |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/05/us/hurricane-helene-damage-deaths.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=[[New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Barker |first1=Jessica |title=Tennessee's Hurricane Helene death toll rises as Hurricane Milton heads to Florida |url=https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/tennessees-hurricane-helene-death-toll-rises-as-hurricane-milton-strengthens/ |access-date=8 October 2024 |publisher=WKRN |date=8 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gibson |first=Robin |title=How many died in East Tennessee after Hurricane Helene? A county-by-county list |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2024/10/09/how-many-died-in-east-tennessee-after-helene-a-county-by-county-list/75521004007/ |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=Knoxville News Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Hurricane Helene took $1 billion-plus from Tennessee |url=https://www.farmprogress.com/crops/helene-took-a-billion-plus-from-tennessee-ag}}</ref>

!>$8789.93 billion

{{splitmain|Effects of Hurricane Helene in Florida|date=October 2024|discuss=Talk:Hurricane Helene#Split out Florida?}}

By the morning of September&nbsp;26, 2024, thousands in the [[Tampa Bay area]] were experiencing power outages.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sloan |first=Kaycee |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Thousands of Tampa Bay area residents without power amid Hurricane Helene |url=https://www.wfla.com/weather/tracking-the-tropics/thousands-of-tampa-bay-area-residents-without-power-amid-hurricane-helene/ |access-date=September 26, 2024 |website=WFLA 8 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926145918/https://www.wfla.com/weather/tracking-the-tropics/thousands-of-tampa-bay-area-residents-without-power-amid-hurricane-helene/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Wind gusts reached {{convert|64|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida|Fort Lauderdale]] and {{convert|67|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in [[Naples, Florida|Naples]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1name=Erdman |first1=Jonathan |last2=Dolce |first2=Chris |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Hurricane Helene Nears Category 4 Florida Landfall |url=https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2024-09-26-hurricane-helene-forecast-landfall-florida-southeast |access-date=September 26, 2024 |website=The "Weather Channel |language=en-USStorm's |archive-date=Septemberinland 26,Trek" 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926131744/https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2024-09-26-hurricane-helene-forecast-landfall-florida-southeast |url-status=live }}</ref> Storm surges in [[Steinhatchee, Florida|Steinhatchee]] reached {{convert|9.63|ft|m}}.<ref name="CNNLive">{{Cite web |last1=Nicholls |first1=Catherine |last2=Paddison |first2=Laura |last3=Salahieh |first3=Nouran |last4=Ebrahimji |first4=Alisha |last5=Zdanowicz |first5=Christina |last6=Chavez |first6=Nicole |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Live updates: Tropical Storm Helene plows through the Southeast after making landfall in Florida |url=https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-helene-florida-georgia-09-27-24/index.html#cm1kg4kvg00003b6kj1m7ipkp |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=[[CNN]] |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927161855/https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-helene-florida-georgia-09-27-24/index.html#cm1kg4kvg00003b6kj1m7ipkp |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Key West]] experienced storm surge of {{Convert|1 to 3|ft|m}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Maugeri |first1=Steve |last2=Cone |first2=Allen |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Florida Keys feeling Hurricane Helene effects |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-keys-feeling-effects-of-hurricane-helene-several-hundred-miles-away/ |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref> Storm surges reached {{Convert|7.18|ft|m}} in [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abcactionnews.com/weather/hurricane/record-breaking-storm-surge-hits-most-of-tampa-bay-other-parts-of-florida |title=Record-breaking storm surge hits most of Tampa Bay, other parts of Florida |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930032716/https://www.abcactionnews.com/weather/hurricane/record-breaking-storm-surge-hits-most-of-tampa-bay-other-parts-of-florida |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |url-status=live |work=ABC Action News |date=September 27, 2024 }}</ref> Preliminary storm surge modeling has found that areas of the Big Bend experienced inundation of more than 15 feet.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1839677998880227563 |user=NHC_Surge |title=Preliminary post-landfall modeling of storm surge from Hurricane Helene indicates areas within the Big Bend region of Florida near Keaton Beach, Steinhatchee, and Horseshoe Beach had water levels reach more than 15 ft above ground level.}}</ref> About 1.3&nbsp;million people lost power in the state.<ref name="cbs death toll">{{Cite webnews |last1=Sundby |first1=Alex |last2=Dakss |first2=Brian |last3=Allen |first3=Jason |last4=Yeomans |first4=David |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida's Big Bend as Category 4 storm; well over 2 million without power |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-helene-path-florida/ |access-date=September 27, 2024 |websitework=www.cbsnews.com[[CBS News]] |language=en-US |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927025100/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-helene-path-florida/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Stan Gober Memorial Bridge]] shut down due to flooding, and all sporting events in [[Collier County, Florida|Collier County]] on September&nbsp;27 were canceled.<ref>[https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/2024/09/27/hurricane-helenes-impacts-felt-wide-and-far-around-florida/75403078007/ Live coverage: Latest on cleanup, Tesla fire, Naples Pier, waste and debris collection] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930031541/https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/2024/09/27/hurricane-helenes-impacts-felt-wide-and-far-around-florida/75403078007/ |date=September 30, 2024 }}, Naples News, September 27, 2024</ref>

Following the storm surge, multiple buildings in [[Clearwater Beach]] caught fire.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 27, 2024 |title=RAW VIDEO: Structure fires burn near each other in Clearwater Beach after Hurricane Helene |url=https://www.wtsp.com/video/weather/hurricane-helene-house-fire-clearwater-beach/67-01830b79-7f4f-4e51-b0a6-aa3d69693671 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |work=[[WTSP]]}}</ref> According to [[Taylor County, Florida|Taylor County]] sheriff Wayne Padgett, 90% of homes in [[Keaton Beach, Florida|Keaton Beach]] were destroyed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffmann |first=Matt |date=September 27, 2024 |title='All gone': Taylor County leaders estimate 90% of Keaton Beach homes destroyed |url=https://www.wctv.tv/2024/09/27/all-gone-taylor-county-leaders-estimate-90-keaton-beach-homes-destroyed/ |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=WCTV |language=en}}</ref> At least 24 businesses and 70 homes were also destroyed in [[Gulfport, Florida|Gulfport]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeGregory |first=Lane |date=September 29, 2024 |title=Gulfport, like so many Tampa Bay communities, picks up Helene's pieces |url=https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane/2024/09/28/gulfport-like-so-many-tampa-bay-communities-picks-up-helenes-pieces/ |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en |archive-date=September 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929002626/https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane/2024/09/28/gulfport-like-so-many-tampa-bay-communities-picks-up-helenes-pieces/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[Manatee County, Florida|Manatee County]], 230,471 structures were affected, with residential damage estimated at $347.2&nbsp;million, while commercial damage reached $6.3&nbsp;million, for a combined total of $353.5&nbsp;million.<ref name="ht sep29">{{Cite web |last1=Mendoza |first1=Jesse |last2=Szymanowska |first2=Gabriela |date=September 29, 2024 |title=Locals return to Anna Maria Island homes and businesses broken by Hurricane Helene |url=https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2024/09/29/desantis-sets-aggressive-timeline-for-temporary-road-on-anna-maria-island-helene/75435467007/ |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=[[Herald Tribune]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Business Observer 2024-10-06">{{Cite web|last1=King|first1=Elizabeth|date=2024-10-05 |title=Helene damage estimates in Sarasota, Manatee surpass $1 billion |url=https://www.businessobserverfl.com/news/2024/oct/05/helene-damage-sarasota-manatee/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=Business Observer |language=en}}</ref> In [[Bradenton, Florida|Bradenton]], 194 homes and seven commercial buildings suffered major damage, with the damage estimated at $41&nbsp;million total.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=October 2, 2024 |title=City of Bradenton releases its latest Helene damage totals |url=https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/10/02/city-bradenton-releases-its-latest-helene-damage-totals/ |access-date=October 4, 2024 |website=ABC7 |language=en}}</ref> In total, across Manatee and [[Sarasota County, Florida|Sarasota County]], the damage is estimated at $1.1 billion, with $755.7 million in Sarasota County, 3,137 buildings are also damaged or destroyed in the county.<ref>{{Cite web|first1name=Elizabeth|last1=King|date=2024-10-05"Business |title=HeleneObserver damage estimates in Sarasota, Manatee surpass $1 billion |url=https://www.businessobserverfl.com/news/2024/oct/05/helene-damage-sarasota-manatee/ |access-date=2024-10-06" |website=Business Observer |language=en}}</ref>

Over a million customers lost electric power in the state during Helene due to trees falling on power lines across the state and high wind speeds. There are over 400,000 people still without electricity as of September&nbsp;29.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/more-than-1-million-georgians-without-power-after-tropical-storm-helene/BLVUNG5SJRAKFP6T3AMUJGI7PQ/?outputType=amp |title=More than 1 million Georgians without power after Tropical Storm Helene |work=[[WSB-TV]] |date=September 27, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-date=September 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928025533/https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/more-than-1-million-georgians-without-power-after-tropical-storm-helene/BLVUNG5SJRAKFP6T3AMUJGI7PQ/?outputType=amp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Aaro |first=David |title=Helene aftermath: Flooding, power outages continue after deadly storm |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/helene-aftermath-flooding-power-outages-continue-after-deadly-storm/2SXBQNB5RBBRTAXW7UPK3GNYTE/ |access-date=September 29, 2024 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |language=English |issn=1539-7459 |archive-date=September 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929224918/https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/helene-aftermath-flooding-power-outages-continue-after-deadly-storm/2SXBQNB5RBBRTAXW7UPK3GNYTE/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At least 115 structures in [[Valdosta, Georgia|Valdosta]] were heavily damaged.<ref name="cnn floods">{{Cite news |last1=Faheid |first1=Dalia |last2=Watson |first2=Michelle |date=September 28, 2024 |title=Over 50 dead as Helene unleashes life-threatening flooding |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/28/weather/hurricane-helene-florida-georgia-carolinas/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928093340/https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/28/weather/hurricane-helene-florida-georgia-carolinas/index.html |archive-date=September 28, 2024 |access-date=September 28, 2024 |work=CNN}}</ref> Preliminary damage estimates according to governor [[Brian Kemp]] is at US$417&nbsp;million.<ref name="maya 417">{{Cite web |last=Homan |first=Maya |title=Total damage from Hurricane Helene reaches $417 million, expected to grow 'substantially' |url=https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/state/2024/10/03/one-week-after-hurricane-helene-total-damage-surpasses-417-million/75498098007/ |access-date=2024-10-04 |website=Online Athens |language=en-US}}</ref> The timber industry in the state sustained $1.28 billion in damage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-11 |title=Georgia timber industry down $1 billion after Hurricane Helene damage |url=https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/community/hurricane-helene-devastates-georgias-timber-industry-causing-over-1-billion-in-damages/93-dc888a4b-42f7-4635-9307-93c982d2867f |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=WMAZ |language=en-US}}</ref> In total, agricultural damages reached $6.46 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Dave |title=UGA early estimates set losses to Georgia farms due to Hurricane Helene at $6.46 billion |url=https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/state/2024/10/11/georgia-farmers-lost-an-estimated-6-46-billion-due-to-hurricane-helene/75617469007/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |websitename="The Augusta Chronicle |language=en-US}}<UGA" /ref>

AtAlthough leastinitially up to 115 peopledeaths wereand confirmedmore tothan have200 beenmissing killedwere byattributed to Helene in North Carolina, including at least 40 in [[Buncombe County, North Carolina|Buncombe County]] alone,<ref name="84 deaths">{{Cite web |last=Lankford |first=Ciara |date=October 8, 2024 |title=89 verified storm-related deaths in North Carolina following Helene: NCDHHS |url=https://www.qcnews.com/news/u-s/north-carolina/84-verified-storm-related-deaths-in-north-carolina-following-helene-ncdhhs/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Queen City News |language=en-US}}</ref> while about 200 more were left unaccounted for in the state.<ref name="200 missing in NC">{{cite web |last1=Jervis |first1=Rick |last2=Cann |first2=Christopher |title=Hurricane Helene death toll may rise; at least 200 missing in NC: Friday updates |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/10/04/hurricane-helene-death-toll-aftermath-live-updates/75509868007/ |publisher=USA Today |access-date=4 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2024 |title=Helene live updates: At least 90 dead in storm; Trump expected to visit hard-hit Georgia city |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/live-blog/helene-deadly-storm-live-updates-rcna173203 |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref>, that number was later revised down to 103 as it emerged that significant double-counting and mis-allocation had occured in Buncombe County<ref name="Overcounting in Buncombe County">{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2024 |title=North Carolina county surrounding Asheville overcounted Helene deaths by as many as 30, sheriff says |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/22/us/nc-county-surrounding-asheville-overcounted-helene-deaths-by-up-to-30-sheriff-says/index.html |access-date=November 22, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="NCDHHS official count">{{Cite web |date=November 22, 2024 |title=Hurricane Helene Storm Related Fatalities |url=https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/hurricane-helene-recovery-resources/hurricane-helene-storm-related-fatalities |access-date=November 22, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref>. Two people, a 4-year-old girl in [[Claremont, North Carolina|Claremont]] and a 58-year-old man in [[Gastonia, North Carolina|Gastonia]], were killed in traffic collisions during rains caused by Helene.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marusak |first=Joe |date=September 26, 2024 |title=Girl, 4, killed in wreck during Hurricane Helene rains, NC State Highway Patrol says |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/weather-news/article293094159.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928030051/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/weather-news/article293094159.html |archive-date=September 28, 2024 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=The Charlotte Observer}}</ref> At least 879,000 customers in the state lost power.<ref>[https://carolinapublicpress.org/65628/helene-hammers-nc-with-water-and-wind/ Helene hammers NC with water and wind] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930035306/https://carolinapublicpress.org/65628/helene-hammers-nc-with-water-and-wind/ |date=September 30, 2024 }}, Carolina Public Press, September 27, 2024</ref> In [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]], high winds from Helene caused a tree to fall onto a residence, killing one person and seriously injuring another.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1839614301729943964 |user=CharlotteFD |title=At approximately 5:11 a.m., Charlotte Fire responded to an emergency on the 4200 block of Brookway Drive, where a tree had fallen onto a home, trapping two people inside. One person was rescued and transported to a nearby hospital. Tragically, the other person was found deceased.}}</ref> In [[Winston-Salem, North Carolina|Winston-Salem]], heavy rains and high winds caused a large tree to fall on a gas station, damaging two vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wxii12.com/article/north-carolina-winston-salem-downtown-gas-station-awning-off-hurricane-helene-winds/62409054|title=Winston-Salem downtown gas station awning torn down during Helene's winds|first=DaVonté|last=McKenith|date=September 27, 2024|website=WXII}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://journalnow.com/news/local/weather/gallery-hurricane-helene-remnants-damage-winston-salem/collection_bc305526-7cf7-11ef-b57a-ffd2cebb3029.html|title=Gallery: Hurricane Helene remnants damage Winston-Salem|first=Walt |last=Unks|date=September 27, 2024|website=Winston-Salem Journal}}</ref> Residents living downstream of [[Lake Lure (North Carolina)|Lake Lure]] were ordered to evacuate as its dam was overtopped by water and imminent failure was expected. Lake Lure Dam was later evaluated, and no imminent failure was expected, although erosion on both sides of the dam and compromise of the structural supports were reported.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barker |first=Aaron |date=September 27, 2024 |title=North Carolina dam failure imminent: People near Lake Lure urged to seek higher ground amid Helene's flooding |url=https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/lake-lure-dam-emergency-north-carolina-flooding-helene |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=Fox Weather |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927170253/https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/lake-lure-dam-emergency-north-carolina-flooding-helene |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2024 |title=North Carolina dam overtopped is not expected to fail, officials say |url=https://apnews.com/live/hurricane-helene-tracker-maps-updates#00000192-348e-d582-a1b7-36bf53220000 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=AP News |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926235639/https://apnews.com/live/hurricane-helene-tracker-maps-updates#00000192-348e-d582-a1b7-36bf53220000 |url-status=live }}</ref> One woman in the town of [[Lake Lure, North Carolina|Lake Lure]] was rescued with her dog after being stranded inside a collapsed house along a riverbank.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Quillin |first=Martha |date=September 29, 2024 |title='There's just nothing left.' Helene wipes out Chimney Rock's Main Street |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article293159444.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930033019/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article293159444.html |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |access-date=September 29, 2024 |work=The News and Observer}}</ref> Eight tornadoes were spawned by Helene in the state.<ref name="DAT">{{cite web |author1=Various [[National Weather Service]] offices |title=Damage Assessment Toolkit |url=https://apps.dat.noaa.gov/stormdamage/damageviewer/ |website=DAT |publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] |date=2024 |format=Interactive map and database}}</ref> This included a brief but intense low-end EF3 tornado that impacted the north side of [[Rocky Mount, North Carolina|Rocky Mount]], damaging 14 buildings and injuring 15 people, including four critically.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Mary Helen |last2=Wagner |first2=Adam |date=September 27, 2024 |title=4 critically hurt after tornado associated with Helene hits Eastern NC city |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/weather-news/article293142264.html |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=The News & Observer |archive-date=September 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928030154/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/weather-news/article293142264.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Five of the other tornadoes were rated EF1, while the remaining two were rated EF0.<ref name="DAT" />

Areas in the [[Black Mountains (North Carolina)|Black Mountains region]] in the western part of the state were particularly devastated. Residents of [[Swannanoa, North Carolina|Swannanoa]] also reported that no search and rescue operations had reached their location as of September&nbsp;29, leaving several residents who had not prepared for the degree of flooding without food or drinkable water.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Kimberly |date=September 29, 2024 |title=Swannanoa community devastated by flood damage after Hurricane Helene |url=https://www.wlos.com/news/local/swannanoa-community-devastated-flood-damage-after-hurricane-helene-search-and-rescue-highway-70-deputies-buncombe-county |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=WLOS |language=en |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930043900/https://www.wlos.com/news/local/swannanoa-community-devastated-flood-damage-after-hurricane-helene-search-and-rescue-highway-70-deputies-buncombe-county |url-status=live }}</ref> Data from the National Weather Service indicated that over {{convert|19|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain fell in areas upstream of [[Chimney Rock, North Carolina|Chimney Rock]], leading to devastating floodwaters that destroyed half of the village, including half of the businesses on the southern side of the village near the [[Broad River (Carolinas)|Broad River]].<ref name=Oehrli>{{Cite news |last1=Jackson |first1=Drew |last2=Marusak |first2=Joe |last3=Quillin |first3=Martha |last4=Oehrli |first4=Ryan |date=September 28, 2024 |title=DevastatingAt Helene:least 40010 roadspeople closeddead in Western NC from Helene, 200 people rescued from floods |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article293178834.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930032743/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article293178834.html |work=[[The News & Observer]] |access-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |url-status=live }}</ref> The downtown of [[Elkin, North Carolina|Elkin]] was heavily damaged by floodwaters from the [[Yadkin River]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Kitsey Burns |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Downtown Elkin nearly under water near Yadkin River |url=https://www.elkintribune.com/townnews/meteorology/downtown-elkin-nearly-under-water-near-yadkin-river/article_cf83d80a-7cde-11ef-89dd-af0b1c1d1d5c.html |website=[[The Tribune (Elkin, North Carolina)|Elkin Tribune]]}}</ref> The [[Catawba River]] flooded [[Morganton, North Carolina|Morganton]] and left thousands of residents without power.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lunsford |first=Erica |date=September 29, 2024 |title=Morganton community sticking close after severe flooding from Helene |url=https://www.wbtv.com/2024/09/29/morganton-community-sticking-close-after-severe-flooding-helene/ |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=[[WBTV]]}}</ref> The Oxford Dam, at Lake Hickory on the Catawba River, spilled over.<ref>{{Cite news |title=A county by county look at Helene's devastation in western NC |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article293248659.html |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930235836/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article293248659.html?taid=66fb2673bd37650001ccb6b4&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |work=[[The News & Observer]]}}</ref> More than 400 roads were closed in the western part of the state, and over 200 people had to be rescued from floods.<ref name="cnn floods" />

A curfew was issued for [[Asheville, North Carolina|Asheville]] due to the damage that occurred inside the city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raby |first=John |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Curfew issued in western North Carolina community hit hard by Helene |url=https://apnews.com/live/hurricane-helene-tracker-maps-updates#00000192-3554-d0a0-a9d6-f77e37a90000 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |publisher=AP News |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926235639/https://apnews.com/live/hurricane-helene-tracker-maps-updates#00000192-3554-d0a0-a9d6-f77e37a90000 |url-status=live }}</ref> The city broke their record for two-day rainfall, recording {{convert|9.87|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://weather.com/safety/hurricane/news/2024-09-27-hurricane-helene-recap-surge-rainfall-flood-florida-southeast |title=Hurricane Helene Recap: Catastrophic Surge, Inland Flooding From Florida To The Appalachians |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929121659/https://weather.com/safety/hurricane/news/2024-09-27-hurricane-helene-recap-surge-rainfall-flood-florida-southeast |archive-date=September 29, 2024 |work=The Weather Channel |date=September 27, 2024 }}</ref> The [[Asheville Police Department]] reported that they had made arrests due to looting.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/weather/severe-weather/hurricane-helene-buncombe-county-officials-give-updates-on-asheville-black-mountain/83-11e5ed34-a700-4fe9-9c9b-9f2c48f0f6bc|title=Helene aftermath: Buncombe officials give updates on Asheville, more|website=wfmynews2.com|first1=Jeremy |last1=Vernon |first2=Itinease |last2=McMiller |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930055917/https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/weather/severe-weather/hurricane-helene-buncombe-county-officials-give-updates-on-asheville-black-mountain/83-11e5ed34-a700-4fe9-9c9b-9f2c48f0f6bc |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |date=September 28, 2024|access-date=September 30, 2024|url-status=live }}</ref> The [[French Broad River]] crested at {{convert|24.67|ft|m|abbr=on}}, and the Swannanoa River reached {{convert|26.1|ft|m|abbr=on}}, both higher than the all-time records set by the [[Floods in the United States (1900–1999)#Southeast floods – July 1916|Flood of 1916]].<ref name=Oehrli>{{cite news|url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article293178834.html|title=At least 10 people dead in Western NC from Helene, 200 rescued from floods|last1=Jackson|first1=Drew|last2=Marusak|first2=Joe|last3=Quillin|first3=Martha|last4=Oehrli|first4=Ryan|work=[[News and Observer]]|date=September 28, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Asheville residents see cars, home floating|last=Hofmann|first=Will|work=[[Asheville Citizen-Times]]|date=October 1, 2024|page=A3}}</ref> Almost the entirety of [[Biltmore Village]] and the [[River Arts District]] were flooded, and the city was largely isolated due to loss of power and cell service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Asheville's historic Biltmore Village submerged in water after Hurricane Helene |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/video/asheville-s-historic-biltmore-village-submerged-in-water-after-hurricane-helene-220337221801 |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=September 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928005028/https://www.nbcnews.com/video/asheville-s-historic-biltmore-village-submerged-in-water-after-hurricane-helene-220337221801 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first1=Erik |last1=Verduzco |first2=Travis |last2=Loller |first3=George IV |last3=Walker |publisher=Associated Press |date=September 28, 2024 |title=Asheville has been isolated after Helene wrecked roads and knocked out power and cell service |url=https://www.local10.com/news/2024/09/28/asheville-has-been-largely-cut-off-after-helene-wrecked-roads-and-knocked-out-power-and-cell-service/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=WPLG |language=en |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930035310/https://www.local10.com/news/2024/09/28/asheville-has-been-largely-cut-off-after-helene-wrecked-roads-and-knocked-out-power-and-cell-service/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Landslides around Asheville caused sections of [[Interstate 26 in North Carolina|I-26]] and [[Interstate 40 in North Carolina|I-40]] to collapse or wash away, forcing closures of affected routes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=Pat |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Helene Live Updates: 20 Dead as Destruction Spreads Across Southeast |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/09/27/weather/hurricane-helene-florida |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927100311/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/09/27/weather/hurricane-helene-florida |url-status=live }}</ref> Access to Asheville was cut off from September&nbsp;27–28 via I-26 to South Carolina.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-asheville-flooding-north-carolina-tennessee-078a298cdcaaf46749f3f6683a4e1057 |title=Asheville has been isolated after Helene wrecked roads and knocked out power and cell service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930035355/https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-asheville-flooding-north-carolina-tennessee-078a298cdcaaf46749f3f6683a4e1057 |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |work=[[Associated Press]] |url-status=live |date=28 September 2024 |access-date=4 October 2024 }}</ref> A curfew was also issued for [[Boone, North Carolina|Boone]] after high winds and torrential rain caused flooding, sink holes, and power outages throughout [[Watauga County, North Carolina|Watauga County]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Hank |last2=DeVayne |first2=Richard |last3=Pierre |first3=Jesse |date=September 30, 2024 |title=Long, challenging recovery ahead for Boone after Helene's devastation |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/weather/weather-impact/boone-helene-recovery-flooding-power-outages-downed-trees/275-a4030e8a-ce38-4b2d-9ae3-b9f00073ca29 |website=[[WCNC-TV]]}}</ref>

[[Appalachian State University|Appalachian State]]'s football game against [[Liberty University|Liberty]] was canceled due to flooding and was not rescheduled.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Backus |first=Will |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Appalachian State vs. Liberty canceled: Effects from Hurricane Helene nix nonconference clash in Week 5 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/appalachian-state-vs-liberty-canceled-effects-from-hurricane-helene-nix-nonconference-clash-in-week-5/ |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=CBS Sports |archive-date=September 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928014625/https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/appalachian-state-vs-liberty-canceled-effects-from-hurricane-helene-nix-nonconference-clash-in-week-5/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A mudslide and floodwaters from the [[Pigeon River (Tennessee–North Carolina)|Pigeon River]] washed out a section of [[I-40]] at the North Carolina–Tennessee border, forcing another closure.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raby |first=John |date=September 27, 2024 |title=A mudslide and floodwaters wash out interstate at the North Carolina-Tennessee state line |url=https://apnews.com/live/hurricane-helene-tracker-maps-updates#00000192-34ea-d436-a1d6-b5eee82e0000 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=AP News |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926235639/https://apnews.com/live/hurricane-helene-tracker-maps-updates#00000192-34ea-d436-a1d6-b5eee82e0000 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Pigeon River rose to more than {{convert|25|ft|m|abbr=off}} in [[Canton, North Carolina|Canton]],<ref name=Oehrli/> higher than during [[Hurricane Frances]] in 2004 and [[Tropical Storm Fred (2021)|Tropical Storm Fred]] in 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.themountaineer.com/news/complete-devastation-canton-ravaged-by-the-worst-flood-yet/article_dd39cc2e-7d61-11ef-b837-7394b404bbd0.html|title='Complete devastation': Canton ravaged by the worst flood yet|last=Johnson|first=Becky|work=[[The Mountaineer]]|date=September 28, 2024|access-date=September 30, 2024|archive-date=September 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930051118/https://www.themountaineer.com/news/complete-devastation-canton-ravaged-by-the-worst-flood-yet/article_dd39cc2e-7d61-11ef-b837-7394b404bbd0.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In [[Busick, North Carolina|Busick]], rainfall totals reached {{convert|30.78|in|mm|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |author=National Weather Service Greenville - Spartanburg|date=September 28, 2024 |title=Here are the rainfall totals starting at 8 AM EDT Tuesday, September 24th through 8 AM Saturday, September 28th, following Hurricane Helene's departure. |url=https://x.com/NWSGSP/status/1840088090184167431 |website=[[X (Twitter)]] |access-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930044420/https://x.com/NWSGSP/status/1840088090184167431 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[University of North Carolina at Asheville]] canceled all classes through October&nbsp;9 ( (later extended through October&nbsp;28), along with Appalachian State campuses of Boone and [[Hickory, North Carolina|Hickory]] through October&nbsp;11, and [[Western Carolina University]] through October&nbsp;4.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dean |first=Korie |date=September 28, 2024 |title=Some western NC universities to close doors for at least a week due to Helene rampage |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article293188409.html |access-date=September 28, 2024 |website=The News & Observer |archive-date=September 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240928200042/https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article293188409.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Warren Wilson College]] and [[Blue Ridge Community College (North Carolina)|Blue Ridge Community College]] announced they would remain closed for at least a week.<ref name="inside">{{Cite web |last=Blake |first=Jessica |date=October 1, 2024 |title='Long and Difficult' Recovery Ahead in N.C. |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/safety/2024/10/01/north-carolina-colleges-slammed-hurricane-helene |website=Inside Higher Ed}}</ref> The [[Asheville School]], a boarding school in Asheville, evacuated its students and announced the campus would remain closed until October&nbsp;14.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.ashevilleschool.org/news/extended-campus-closure/|title= Head of School Announcements October 1, 2024: Extended Campus Closure|author=<!--Not stated--> |date= October 1, 2024|website= [[Asheville School]]|access-date= October 1, 2024}}</ref> [[Christ School (North Carolina)|Christ School]], an all-boys Episcopal boarding school in [[Arden, North Carolina|Arden]], was not evacuated and the campus was left without power until October 9. Classes would resume six days later.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.christschool.org/article/message-dr-jenkins|title= A Message from Dr. Jenkins|author=<!--Not stated--> |date= September 28, 2024|website= [[Christ School (North Carolina)|Christ School]]|access-date= October 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.christschool.org/article/power-back-classes-resume-october-15|title= Power Back On! Classes Resume October 15|author=<!--Not stated--> |date= October 9, 2024|website= [[Christ School (North Carolina)|Christ School]]|access-date= October 9, 2024}}</ref>

Thirty-six people were killed in South Carolina,<ref name="cbs death toll">{{Cite news |last1=Sundby |first1=Alex |last2=Dakss |first2=Brian |last3=Yeomans |first3=David |last4=Hanson |first4=Tom |date=September 30, 2024 |title=Helene death toll tops 100 as Southeast digs out from storm's devastation |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-helene-path-florida/ |access-date=September 30, 2024 |work=CBS News}}</ref> including six in [[Spartanburg County, South Carolina|Spartanburg County]] and [[Greenville County, South Carolina|Greenville County]], four in [[Aiken County, South Carolina|Aiken County]], and [[Anderson County, South Carolina|Anderson County]], three in [[Laurens County, South Carolina|Laurens County]], two in [[Newberry County, South Carolina|Newberry County]], one in [[Chesterfield County, South Carolina|Chesterfield County]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Benjamin |first=Terry II |date=September 29, 2024 |title=Hurricane Helene-related deaths reach 24 in South Carolina, with most in the Upstate |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2024/09/29/south-carolina-death-toll-grows-tanderson-co-woman-found-dead-after-she-was-swept-away-by-stormwater/75440400007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240929211106/https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2024/09/29/south-carolina-death-toll-grows-tanderson-co-woman-found-dead-after-she-was-swept-away-by-stormwater/75440400007/ |archive-date=September 29, 2024 |access-date=September 29, 2024 |work=The Greenville News}}</ref><ref name="wyff4 upstate">{{Cite web |last=Rainey |first=Zach |date=September 30, 2024 |title=Death toll in Upstate continues to rise from Helene |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-helene-deaths/62414502 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929104733/https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-helene-deaths/62414502 |archive-date=September 29, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=WYFF |language=en}}</ref> three in [[Saluda County, South Carolina|Saluda County]], and one in [[Greenwood County, South Carolina|Greenwood County]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Jeffrey |date=September 27, 2024 |title=At least 17 people have died in South Carolina |url=https://apnews.com/live/hurricane-helene-tracker-maps-updates#00000192-34c9-d0a0-a9d6-f6ff9c1a0000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926235639/https://apnews.com/live/hurricane-helene-tracker-maps-updates#00000192-34c9-d0a0-a9d6-f6ff9c1a0000 |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=AP News}}</ref> Over 1.3&nbsp;million customers were without power in South Carolina, the most of any state impacted by Helene, with several counties experiencing a near-complete loss of power.<ref name="ABC30" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wistv.com/2024/09/27/hurricane-helene-causes-thousands-midlands-residents-lose-power/ |title=Over 100K Midlands residents lose power as Helene sweeps southeast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930051027/https://www.wistv.com/2024/09/27/hurricane-helene-causes-thousands-midlands-residents-lose-power/ |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |url-status=live |work=WISTV |date=September 27, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="wyff4 upstate" /> Wind gusts reached {{convert|72|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in [[Aiken, South Carolina|Aiken]] and [[Anderson, South Carolina|Anderson]],<ref>[https://scdailygazette.com/2024/09/27/multiple-deaths-widespread-power-outages-across-sc-reported-in-wake-of-tropical-storm-helene/ Multiple deaths, widespread power outages across SC reported in wake of Tropical Storm Helene] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927180206/https://scdailygazette.com/2024/09/27/multiple-deaths-widespread-power-outages-across-sc-reported-in-wake-of-tropical-storm-helene/ |date=September 27, 2024 }}, SC Daily Gazette, September 27, 2024</ref> and {{convert|75|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in [[Beaufort, South Carolina|Beaufort]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Helene damage report: SC officials report highest wind gust in Beaufort clocked 75 mph |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/hurricane-helene-damage-report-hilton-124033311.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |agency=The Island Packet |publisher=Yahoo |date=September 27, 2024}}</ref> Rainfall totals in the state peaked at {{convert|21.66|in|mm|abbr=on}} in [[Rocky Bottom, South Carolina|Rocky Bottom]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Hurricane Helene: See the historic river level, rainfall, wind speed totals for the Upstate |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2024/09/28/what-were-the-top-as-the-rare-the-wind-speedhow-much-rain-did-hurricane-helenefell-in-the-upstate-sc/75430155007/ |access-date=October 4, 2024 |publisher=Greenville Online |date=September 28, 2024}}</ref> Helene spawned 21 weak tornadoes in the state; five of them were rated EF1, another was rated EFU, and the remaining 15 were rated EF0.<ref name="DAT" />

Following the storm, four state parks fully closed, with [[Panther Creek State Park]] experiencing trail closures and [[Seven Islands State Birding Park]] having both trail and boat ramp closures.<ref>{{cite news |title=Impact of Hurricane Helene on Tennessee State Parks |url=https://tnstateparks.com/blog/impact-of-hurricane-helene-on-tennessee-state-parks |access-date=October 4, 2024 |publisher=Tennessee State Parks |date=October 3, 2024}}</ref> Hurricane Helene caused a total agricultural and forestry loss of $1.351 billion.<ref name=":2" />

Following the storm, nine state parks and four preserves closed due to damage from Helene.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nine Virginia State Parks, four preserves see closures due to Helene damage |url=https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/nine-virginia-state-parks-four-preserves-see-closures-due-to-helene-damage/amp/ |access-date=October 3, 2024 |publisher=WRIC |date=October 1, 2024}}</ref> In addition, numerous trails were closed in [[Shenandoah National Park]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Multiple trails at Shenandoah National Park closed due to flooding, downed trees |url=https://www.wric.com/news/western-virginia/trails-shenandoah-closed-flooding/amp/ |access-date=October 3, 2024 |publisher=WRIC |date=September 30, 2024}}</ref> The entire [[Blue Ridge Parkway]] was closed as well, though much of the Virginia segment of the highway re-opened on October 11.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nearly 200 miles of Blue Ridge Parkway reopens as long-term work remains in North Carolina |url=https://fox59.com/news/national-world/nearly-200-miles-of-blue-ridge-parkway-reopens-as-long-term-work-remains-in-north-carolina/ |access-date=October 14, 2024 |publisher=Fox59 |date=October 11, 2024}}</ref> Virgina suffered $159.3 million in agricultural damage. <ref name=":3" />

[[File:1988- US Gulf Coast hurricane diameters.svg|thumb |upright=1.35|Hurricane Helene was one of the largest-diameter US Gulf Coast hurricanes.<ref name=WashPost_20240926/> Although large size does not mean ''strength''—which is based on sustained wind measurements—it may mean that more people are exposed to a storm's hazards.<ref name=WashPost_20240926>{{cite news |last1=Dance |first1=Scott |last2=Ducroquet |first2=Simon |last3=Muyskens |first3=John |date=September 26, 2024 |title=See how Helene dwarfs other hurricanes that have hit the Gulf Coast |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/09/26/hurricane-helene-storm-size-miles/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240926211941/https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/09/26/hurricane-helene-storm-size-miles/ |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |url-status=live }}</ref>]]On September&nbsp;28, 2024, the [[Omaha Public Power District]] sent Mutual Aid crews to [[West Virginia]] to help with power restoration after Helene, their third in a disaster in 2024.<ref name="OPPD" /> California sent 151 search and rescue members to affected areas.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ashcraft |first1=Anna |title=San Diego Fire-Rescue sends water rescue team to NC for Hurricane Helene |url=https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/san-diego-fire-rescue-sends-water-rescue-team-to-nc-for-hurricane-helene/ |access-date=October 1, 2024 |publisher=KUSI |date=September 27, 2024}}</ref> The [[Federal Emergency Management Agency]] (FEMA) sent in search-and-rescue teams, bottled water, and [[Starlink]] terminals.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/29/fema-starlink-helene-victims-00181576|title=FEMA sending Starlink satellites, search-and-rescue teams to aid Helene's victims|author1=Greta Reich|work=Politico|date=September 29, 2024|access-date=September 30, 2024}}</ref> Additionally, an eastern Kentucky [[Storm chasing|storm chaser]] contributed 30 Starlink terminals to storm victims in western North Carolina.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Randle|first1=Kayleigh|url=https://www.lex18.com/news/covering-kentucky/kentucky-storm-chaser-provides-starlink-access-to-cities-across-western-nc|title=Kentucky Storm Chaser provides Starlink access to cities across western NC|work=WLEX-TV|date=October 1, 2024|access-date=October 4, 2024}}</ref> In total SpaceX stated that they had donated approximately 500 terminals through various channels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-02 |title=Elon Musk's Starlink brings internet — and politics — to storm-ravaged areas |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/elon-musk-starlink-brings-internet-politics-hurricane-helene-recovery-rcna173463 |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> The [[American Red Cross]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeMentri |first=Nikki |date=September 30, 2024 |title=Philadelphia-area volunteers with American Red Cross assist in Hurricane Helene relief |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/hurricane-helene-american-red-cross-relief/ |access-date=September 30, 2024 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and [[The Salvation Army]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Knef |first1=Sam |title=Salvation Army deploying to help with Helene |url=https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2024/09/27/salvation-army-helping-with-helene |access-date=September 29, 2024 |agency=Spectrum News |date=September 28, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930041838/https://spectrumnews1.com/ky/louisville/news/2024/09/27/salvation-army-helping-with-helene |url-status=live }}</ref> among other [[nonprofit organization]]s, began deploying emergency disaster services teams in many affected areas. A unit from the 1st Battalion of the [[169th Aviation Regiment (United States)|169th Aviation Regiment]], part of the [[Connecticut Military Department|Connecticut Army National Guard]], was deployed to North Carolina to help assist disaster relief efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2024 |title=Connecticut National Guard unit to provide Helene disaster relief in North Carolina |url=https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/connecticut-national-guard-unit-to-provide-helene-disaster-relief-in-north-carolina/3396140/ |access-date=September 27, 2024 |website=NBC Connecticut |archive-date=September 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927173206/https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/connecticut-national-guard-unit-to-provide-helene-disaster-relief-in-north-carolina/3396140/ |url-status=live }}</ref>