Hurricane Helene’s widespread destruction across the U.S. south

Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage and loss in the U.S. from Florida to North Carolina, claiming at least 100 lives by the morning of Monday, Sept. 30. The storm made landfall late Thursday on Florida's Big Bend coast, unleashing high winds, heavy rains, and a massive storm surge that impacted areas far from the coast. Florida experienced the initial devastation, with winds reaching 120 mph (193 km/h), creating a storm surge that inundated coastal neighborhoods with up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) of water. Nine residents drowned after reportedly ignoring evacuation orders, leading officials to express frustration over the lack of compliance. As the eye of the storm hit, many homes were destroyed, leaving survivors in shock over the extent of the damage. Georgia faced deadly consequences as Helene moved inland. Among the fatalities were a mother and her infant twins who died when trees fell on their home. Atlanta recorded over 11 inches (28 cm) of rain, the highest in a 48-hour period in recorded history, leading to widespread flooding and numerous rescues. North Carolina was hit hard by heavy rains that resulted in severe flooding and mudslides, particularly in the Asheville region. Communication was largely cut off, and tragic reports emerged of a family trapped on a rooftop; they ultimately drowned when their roof collapsed under the weight of the water. South Carolina suffered significant impacts from falling trees, which led to multiple fatalities. Two firefighters lost their lives when a tree fell on their truck while responding to an emergency. Other deaths occurred throughout the state as trees toppled onto homes. Tennessee dealt with flooding from overflowing rivers, prompting evacuations in vulnerable areas. At a hospital near the North Carolina border, 54 patients had to be rescued from the roof due to rapidly rising water. Helicopters were deployed to assist in evacuating those stranded as the situation became increasingly difficult. Watch CGTN LIVE on your computer, tablet or mobile https://cgtnamerica.vhx.tv/videos/hd-live-broadcasts Subscribe to CGTN America on YouTube Follow CGTN America: Twitter: @cgtnamerica Facebook: @cgtnamerica Instagram: @cgtnamerica TikTok: @newstoks This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.