Helene triggers deadly floods as death toll rises; Tennessee dam break imminent: Live updates
The Nolichucky dam that runs near Greenville, Tennessee, remains intact despite concerns over its imminent collapse
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
At least 52 people have died as a result of Hurricane Helene, which has caused billions of dollars worth of damage as it rips across a wide swath of the southeastern US.
In a Saturday update on Helene, the National Hurricane Center said that “catastrophic and historic flooding” would continue over portions of the Southern Appalachians, though the risk for additional heavy rainfall was continuing to decrease.
The storm, now a post-tropical cyclone, was expected to hover over the Tennessee Valley on Saturday and Sunday, the NHC added.
Among the people killed in the storm were three firefighters, a woman and her 1-month-old twins, and an 89-year-old woman whose house was struck by a falling tree, according to an Associated Press tally.
Helene blew ashore in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane late Thursday packing winds of 140 mph and then quickly moved through Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee, uprooting trees, splintering homes and sending creeks and rivers over their banks and straining dams.
Preliminarily estimates put the total damage and economic loss from Helene at between $95 billion and $110 billion, according to AccuWeather.
Helene forces cancellation of Appalachian State football game
Appalachian State canceled its home football game against Liberty due to damage caused by Helene.
The game was scheduled for Saturday and will not be rescheduled.
The news comes as North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper warned people to stay off the roads in the western part of his state. Swift-water rescues are underway in the area.
Connecticut Army National Guard deploys to North Carolina
The Connecticut Army National Guard is deploying to North Carolina on Friday.
Its 1-169th Aviation Regiment is providing one CH-47 Chinook helicopter and a five-soldier flight crew for approximately one week.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Flash flood emergency declared for North Carolina’s Lake Lure Dam
The Lake Lure Dam in Rutherford County, North Carolina, is failing.
“URGENT: FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR THE LAKE LURE DAM! DAM FAILURE IMMINENT! RESIDENTS BELOW THE DAM NEED TO EVACUATE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY!” the National Weather Service warned.
Video shows North Carolina’s Swannanoa River rising amid the storm.
North Carolina Transportation Department shares scary image of I-40
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says 11 people killed by causes related to Helene
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said 11 people have died so far in Georgia from causes related to Hurricane Helene.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the governor said an emergency responder was among those who had died.
Pinellas County police rescue people trapped in their homes
Photos show Pinellas County officers as they assist people who are still trapped in their Florida homes.
Images show North Carolina rescues as Helene bears down on the state
Images show North Carolina rescue efforts as Helene bears down on the state.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments