Dozens have died as Helene causes severe flooding, with a dam failure looming in Tennessee.

Helene continues to wreak havoc across the Southeast, resulting in at least 49 fatalities across multiple states. The historic storm, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region Thursday night as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, has devastated communities, knocked out power, and left many stranded in floodwaters. Here’s the latest:

• Imminent Dam Break Warning: A flash flood emergency has been extended until noon Eastern Time for Cocke, Greene, and Hamblen counties in eastern Tennessee due to an impending dam break on the Nolichucky River. This emergency affects over 5,800 residents and two schools. The National Weather Service has reported the imminent failure of the Nolichucky Dam, prompting warnings of potentially life-threatening flooding. While the heaviest rainfall has passed, an additional 1 to 2 inches is expected this weekend, with river levels taking hours or days to drop to safe levels.

• Fatalities Across Five States: The storm has led to fatalities in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. South Carolina reports at least 19 deaths, including two firefighters. In Georgia, 15 fatalities have been confirmed, including two from a tornado. Florida officials have reported eight deaths, primarily from drownings, while North Carolina has seen six deaths, including a tragic car accident involving a child. In Craig County, Virginia, one person died due to a tree fall and building collapse.

• More Rain Forecasted: Rainfall is expected to continue across the southern Appalachian region this weekend. Areas in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee may receive up to an inch of additional rainfall, while parts of Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania could see totals of up to 2 inches through Monday. The National Weather Service has warned of possible excessive runoff in regions that have already received significant rainfall.

• Ongoing Rescue Operations: Nearly 4,000 National Guardsmen are involved in rescue efforts across 21 counties in Florida, with additional guardsmen activated in North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. The Biden administration has mobilized over 1,500 federal personnel to assist communities affected by Helene.

• Severe Flooding in North Carolina: Governor Roy Cooper described Helene as “one of the worst storms in modern history” for parts of North Carolina. Western areas of the state have experienced life-threatening flash flooding, landslides, and power outages, with over 100 rescues reported. In the mountainous region, rainfall totals exceeded 2 feet, with some areas, like Busick, receiving nearly 30 inches in just 48 hours. A curfew is in effect in Asheville due to the dangerous conditions.

• Power Outages Affecting Millions: As Helene’s remnants continue to impact the eastern U.S., around 3.3 million customers remain without power across South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Ohio.

• Threats Persist: The remnants of Helene are expected to bring further rain and gusty winds across the region. Over a foot of rain has been recorded in several states, with numerous flash flood emergencies affecting approximately 1.1 million residents in the Southern Appalachians. Wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph have been reported in the Ohio and Tennessee Valley regions, with over 35 million people under wind alerts.

• Hospital Roof Rescues in Tennessee: In Erwin, Tennessee, more than 50 individuals were rescued from the roof of Unicoi County Hospital as floodwaters surged, making evacuation impossible.

• Travel Disruptions: Helene has severely disrupted travel and delivery services. Numerous Amtrak trains in Florida and Georgia have been canceled, while UPS has suspended service to several affected states. In North Carolina, 290 roads are closed due to severe flooding, landslides, and other hazards.

• Helene Now a Post-Tropical Cyclone: The storm, now downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone with winds of 35 mph, no longer has an organized center of circulation. However, its threat persists, with heavy rainfall and gusty winds expected to continue. FEMA officials have urged residents to avoid floodwaters, warning of hidden dangers.

Devastation in Florida and Georgia Communities

Helene has left a massive path of destruction across Florida, Georgia, and the Southeastern U.S., uprooting trees, downing power lines, and damaging countless homes. As millions struggle without power, rescue crews are working tirelessly to save those trapped in the aftermath.

In Cedar Key, Florida, widespread devastation has made it unsafe for residents and volunteers to return. City officials report no sewage or power, making it impossible to sustain a community. Mayor Sue Colson described the situation as a “multifaceted mess,” with historical buildings and homes destroyed and roads blocked by debris.

Similarly, Keaton Beach faces overwhelming destruction. Governor Ron DeSantis noted that nearly every home was either damaged or completely destroyed, with storm surges reaching as high as 20 feet. The owner of a local gas station recounted the collapse of his business just days before its anniversary.

Residents like Eric Church are left wondering where to go next after losing their homes. He shared the anguish of finding his house reduced to rubble, while his wife expressed disbelief over their recent purchase, believing it would last for generations.

In Georgia, multiple structures have been severely damaged, with Governor Brian Kemp indicating that the situation appears worse than after Hurricane Idalia.

Complete Chaos in North Carolina

Residents in Asheville described “complete pandemonium” as floodwaters surged overnight, causing extensive damage. Samuel Hayes shared stories of employees reporting flooding and mudslides, while others noted that businesses were devastated and essential services were cut off.

In Hendersonville, a lifelong resident expressed shock at the unprecedented flooding, while a couple driving on Interstate 40 experienced a terrifying landslide that nearly trapped them.

Erwin, Tennessee, is also grappling with the aftermath of flooding, as Nathan Farnor noted that power remains out and many homes have been destroyed.

As the region continues to deal with the fallout from Helene, emergency responders and communities remain vigilant and resilient in the face of the disaster.