The deadly storm Helene, now a post-tropical cyclone, continues to produce “catastrophic flooding” over parts of the southern Appalachians and the Tennessee Valley. In western North Carolina, officials told residents to consider all roads closed.
At least 40 storm-related deaths have been reported in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, and the numbers are expected to rise as cleanup continues.
Here’s some of what we’re following:
Lake Lure Dam near Asheville, N.C., is no longer in danger of failing. Nearby residents had been evacuated and told to get to higher ground immediately.
Keaton Beach, Fla., is one of the hardest-hit areas, with 90% of homes “gone,” the local sheriff said.
Over 50 patients and staff were stuck on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, Tenn., as floodwaters rose before they were finally rescued.
Watch the Coast Guard rescue a man and his dog from a sinking boat, and a TV news reporter rescue a woman from her car.
Live updates: Destruction and damage reported in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida from Helene
A damaged house and docks are pictured after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Keaton Beach, Florida, on Sept. 27, 2024.
A damaged house and docks are pictured after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Keaton Beach, Florida, on Sept. 27, 2024.
Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo
The deadly storm Helene, now a post-tropical cyclone, continues to produce “catastrophic flooding” over parts of the southern Appalachians and the Tennessee Valley. In western North Carolina, officials told residents to consider all roads closed.
At least 40 storm-related deaths have been reported in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, and the numbers are expected to rise as cleanup continues.
Here’s some of what we’re following:
Lake Lure Dam near Asheville, N.C., is no longer in danger of failing. Nearby residents had been evacuated and told to get to higher ground immediately.
Keaton Beach, Fla., is one of the hardest-hit areas, with 90% of homes “gone,” the local sheriff said.
Over 50 patients and staff were stuck on the roof of Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, Tenn., as floodwaters rose before they were finally rescued.
Watch the Coast Guard rescue a man and his dog from a sinking boat, and a TV news reporter rescue a woman from her car.
This live blog is winding down for the night
Updated September 27, 2024 at 9:53 PM EDT
Posted September 27, 2024 at 9:53 PM EDT
We’re wrapping up this live blog, but the NPR network will continue to bring you coverage of Helene’s aftermath throughout the next few days.
Check out our map of member stations that have been covering the storm for updates on what’s happening on the ground. Tune into your local NPR station for more ongoing coverage.
More power outages are expected. Here’s how to prepare for them
By Rachel Treisman
Emma Bowman
Updated September 27, 2024 at 9:24 PM EDT
Posted September 27, 2024 at 9:24 PM EDT
Helene has left large swaths of the southeastern U.S. and southern Appalachian Mountains in darkness, with some 3.7 million homes and businesses out of power as of Friday night.
Although the worst of the storm is over, its heavy rains and wind are expected to trigger more power outages along its northwest path.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to prepare for a power outage. FEMA recommends the following tips:
Find alternate power sources, like batteries and portable chargers or power banks, to use when the power goes out. Make sure each member of the household has their own flashlight — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends battery-powered flashlights and lanterns as opposed to candles and gas torches, to minimize fire risk.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges. Also, install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations throughout your home to alert you to possible carbon monoxide poisoning (more on that below).
Prepare food and know how to store it. FEMA advises maintaining several days’ supply of nonperishable food and water, and keeping your fridge and freezer closed. It says a fridge will keep food cold for about four hours, and a full freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours — you can use a thermometer to double check, and should toss the food out if the temperature reaches 40 degrees or higher.
Know your medical needs and make a power outage plan for any medical devices and refrigerated medicines. Ask your doctor for guidance about life-critical medications, including how long certain meds can be stored at higher-than-recommended temperatures.
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