Correction: This article has been updated to reflect the states with the highest number of reported deaths.
Hurricane Helen, which has wreaked havoc along the Florida coast since making landfall on Thursday, is now causing historic flooding, widespread power outages and other damage on its 800-mile path north. , affecting states such as the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Georgia. .
The Category 4 hurricane has left more than 100 people dead and more than 2 million homes and businesses without power in the southeastern United States.
In North Carolina, high water from excessive rainfall has flooded Asheville and other cities, leaving residents trapped in their homes without light or food. USA TODAY reported that roads were flooded, making it difficult for rescue workers to reach.
USA TODAY tracked Helen’s tragic trajectory across the southern United States. This is what we found.
Helen landed in Florida and moved north
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Heavy rain continued as Hurricane Helen moved inland
Thursday, September 26th
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Helen made landfall near Perry, Florida at 11:10 p.m. as a Category 4 storm with 160 mph winds, hurricane-force winds, and tropical storm force.
Friday, September 27th
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tennessee
Greene County’s Nolichucky Dam is at risk of failure, Tennessee Valley officials announced late Friday night. After the Nolichucky River’s water levels rose, TVA announced Saturday afternoon that the dam was “stable and safe.”
At least 45 people were rescued from the roof of Unicoi County Hospital, about 190 miles northeast of Knoxville, Friday afternoon after the facility was surrounded by floodwaters from Helen.
Saturday, September 28th
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north carolina
buildings and bridges Chimney Rock, a village near the popular Chimney Rock State Park, was destroyed by flooding from the Broad River.
The state Department of Transportation says more than 400 roads in North Carolina should be closed. I-40 and I-26 are closed. In multiple locations.
south carolina
The Greenville-Spartanburg National Weather Service posted on Facebook that flooding and wind damage wereThis is the worst incident in the history of our office. ”
Why is Helen so destructive?
Forecasters warned last Tuesday that the region was likely to be flooded due to a combination of weather patterns. USA TODAY reported that the forward overhead area was expected to interact with water vapor drawn in ahead of Helen.
Hurricane Helen has the following characteristics:
Size: Approximately 350 miles wide. Strength: Winds reached 140 mph at landfall, causing widespread storm surge. Heavy Rain: In the North Carolina Mountains alone, precipitation totals were 29.6 inches at Mount Busick and 24.2 inches at Mount Mitchell. Speed: Helen was traveling at 24 miles per hour offshore and 30 miles per hour on land.
More than 100 deaths reported in six states
The death toll continues to be updated. Reuters reports at least 100 people. CNN says: North Carolina has the most cases, with 115.
North Carolina: 47 South Carolina: 26 Georgia: 25 Florida: 11 Tennessee: 4 Virginia: 2
This story has been updated with the latest information.
Contributors: Dinah Voyles Pulver, Josh Meyer, N’dea Yancey-Bragg, Will Hofmann, Michael Loria, Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY
Source: USA TODAY Network reporting and research. Reuters; National Hurricane Center. power outage.us; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration