ASHEVILLE, N.C. − On Sunday, approximately 2.3 million individuals remained without electrical power across the Southeast after the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This included upwards of 460,000 residents in North Carolina, where the storm decimated houses, trapped inhabitants, caused landslides, and inundated towns with severe flooding.

Since the hurricane made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 storm with winds reaching 140 mph on Thursday, nearly 70 fatalities have been reported across various states as it traveled northward through Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, eventually weakening into a post-tropical cyclone.

During a news conference on Sunday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper stated that at least 11 lives have been lost in the state, adding, “and unfortunately, we expect that number to rise.”

Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder indicated that over 1,000 individuals were currently reported missing via the county’s online platform; however, she anticipated this number would significantly decrease once cell service is restored. Pinder noted that rescue teams are “working tirelessly to save everyone they can” in the areas most affected.

Numerous roads have been washed out, and more than 250,000 people are currently without cellular service. Large parts of cities, including Asheville, were submerged. Governor Cooper remarked that Helene had emerged as “one of the most devastating storms in modern history for sections of North Carolina.”

Authorities previously reported that over 200 individuals had been rescued via water and helicopter team efforts within the state.

Ryan Cole, Buncombe County’s Emergency Services Assistant Director, described the damage as overwhelming, stating, “We are facing a level of devastation comparable to biblical proportions in this county. The flooding here is unlike anything we have seen.”

Power Restorations Underway in NC, But Drivers are Hindering Repair Work

Governor Cooper announced that the number of residents without power has decreased from over 1 million to roughly 464,000, with ongoing efforts to restore mobile service for those cut off.

State officials reported that the relief and restoration efforts are being impeded by residents navigating through storm-impacted areas, urging the public to stay at home.

“Travel in western North Carolina is still restricted and perilous,” Cooper warned, highlighting that 280 roads are currently closed, including segments of I-40 and I-26. “Please refrain from using roads in western North Carolina.”

The governor explained that the storm dropped between 10 to 29 inches of rain on the mountainous regions of the state, resulting in potential landslides and severe flooding, which has led to reports of up to 1,000 people missing, prompting family members to embark on searches.

“I understand many are worried about loved ones who they cannot contact,” Cooper said. “This is why we are working diligently to restore communication, as many individuals are likely just out of contact and are alright.”

Daughter Feels ‘Powerless’ While Trying to Reach Parents

While Helene wreaked havoc across the Southeast, LaNette Wimer spent over two hours on hold with the Red Cross from Denver, more than a thousand miles away.

At 59 years old, Wimer was desperately seeking news about her parents, Don and Brenda Holmer, who have lived in Hendersonville, North Carolina, for the past 25 years. This area, located south of Asheville, was severely affected by the storm.

The last time Wimer was in contact with her family, they hadn’t mentioned the impending storm. She fears her parents, who have neither cell phones nor internet access, may have been taken off guard. Following the onset of the storm, Wimer anxiously followed the news, scoured social media, and tried calling her parents’ landlines but received no response.

She shared that the Red Cross agreed to conduct a wellness check, though this could take up to 48 hours. Feeling uncertain about where to turn, Wimer expressed experiencing “a lot of anxiety, fear, and wondering.”

“Are they eating? Do they have water? Are they taking their medications?” Wimer reflected. “It’s an incredibly helpless feeling. Aside from searching for any information I can find online, there’s nothing I can actively do. It’s terrifying.”

Residents of North Carolina trying to locate family members can reach out to NC 211 (or 1-888-892-1162 if they are calling from out of state) to report those who are missing. Individuals in affected regions can inform others of their safety by utilizing Facebook’s crisis response feature or reporting themselves safe through the Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-ED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Asheville Faces Heartbreaking Damage

On Sunday, authorities in western North Carolina continued their efforts to find flood victims.

Asheville Police Chief Michael Lamb stated that his department had a list of approximately 60 individuals whose relatives they had been unable to contact. The department is planning to conduct “welfare checks” on the homes of those individuals.

Hurricane Helene devastated large areas of Asheville, including businesses in the popular River Arts District. The Riverlink Bridge, which connects downtown with West Asheville, has turned into a gathering point as residents process the extensive damage inflicted by Helene. The French Broad River reached a record high of 24.67 feet on Friday, remaining well above its banks at 12.68 feet on Sunday around noon, according to NOAA.

Erin Quevedo, owner of Balm Salon on Depot Street, was wading through ankle-deep mud as she tried to salvage what remained of her business.

“The salon was completely destroyed. It seems like the water rose to about

“We are just five feet inside,” Quevedo remarked, mentioning that there are five hairstylists working alongside her at the salon.

“At this moment, our primary goal is to salvage as much as we can,” she stated, highlighting that only a few items, like hair styling tools, could be saved. “It’s truly heartbreaking. I’m uncertain about our next steps. It feels like we have to just take things one day at a time.”

Destruction along the Tennessee-North Carolina Border

ERWIN, Tenn. – In some areas of Eastern Tennessee, specifically in the Appalachian region near the North Carolina border, signs of devastation from Helene’s heavy rainfall were clearly visible on Sunday. This included washed-out bridges, closed roads, ruined buildings, and power outages affecting numerous residents.

Officials in Unicoi County indicated that power restoration might take several weeks. Some residents expressed concern as they have relatives who remain unaccounted for.

At a Red Cross-run shelter in Greeneville, volunteers prepared pancakes early Sunday for individuals still resting on cots after evacuating their homes. In Erwin, a town with a population of roughly 6,000, many affected by the storm visited a local high school serving as a shelter where they could obtain hot meals, bottled water, and clothing. Numerous individuals were trying to determine their next steps.

− Chris Kenning

Concerns for Daughter in North Carolina from West Virginia

In West Virginia, where Helene left over 35,000 homes and businesses without power, Twyla Bosley anxiously awaits news about her daughter, Sorida Gain.

Gain was attempting to ride out the storm in Marion, North Carolina, along with her boyfriend, James McKinney, their dogs, and chickens. The last time Bosley heard from her, Gain, 40, mentioned that floodwaters were beginning to infiltrate their basement.

“That’s the last update I received,” Bosley shared. “I can’t count how many missing-person reports I’ve filed. I’ve contacted the sheriff’s department in Marion, but there’s been no news.”

Bosley is trying to remain hopeful, understanding that the absence of cell service and internet may be the reason for her daughter’s silence. Regardless, she worries after seeing photos of extensive flooding in Asheville, located less than 40 miles from Marion.

“My thoughts drift to worst-case scenarios, like what if something happened to her? What if she got trapped?” Bosley expressed. “My daughter is extremely afraid of flood waters. I’m just hoping she managed to escape.”

A fight for survival: No time for shoes as a family in Asheville flees by boat, fearing they’ve lost everything

North Carolina Mountains Hit by Over 2 Feet of Rain

North Carolina’s mountainous areas experienced over 2 feet of rain recently due to a rare convergence of weather systems affecting the eastern U.S. just before Helene made landfall in Florida on Thursday night.

Tiny Busick in Yancey County, along the western border with Tennessee, recorded a staggering 29.58 inches of rainfall within just 48 hours. Asheville set record highs on both the French Broad River and the Swannanoa River near the Biltmore estate. Aerial footage showed the historic Biltmore Village nearby nearly submerged after Helene’s impact.

Since Thursday, there have been at least 5,000 emergency calls to 911. With over 200 North Carolinians needing rescue due to Helene’s severe rains, local, state, and federal officials were swiftly organized to provide assistance. Read more here.

− Josh Meyer and Dinah Voyles Pulver

Deployment of Thousands of National Guard Troops

Thousands of National Guard members have been activated to assist with search and rescue operations and to clear away debris after Helene struck the Southeast.

The majority of National Guard personnel were sent to Florida, where 3,900 troops were stationed across 21 counties to offer humanitarian aid and maintain security, as well as to clean up the aftermath and assist residents threatened by rising waters.

Additionally, hundreds were mobilized in Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, and Tennessee, where troops successfully rescued 50 patients and staff from a hospital in Unicoi County that was isolated due to severe flooding.

Residents of Madison County, Florida, Share Their Helene Experiences

Hurricane Helene made landfall around 11:10 p.m. on Thursday, just east of the Aucilla River’s mouth, about 40 minutes south of Madison County, Florida.

The storm tore off the roof of Kenneth Butler’s house, which had just been repaired after being damaged by Hurricane Idalia the previous year. During Helene, “it sounded as if someone was tossing tin around everywhere,” he remarked.

As the storm continued, water flooded into their home. The only noise he and his family could hear was reminiscent of a train whistle.

Doreen Gross, along with her five grandchildren, wasn’t willing to take any chances. She mentioned how her boss had a fully furnished house that was unoccupied and offered it to them for shelter during the storm.

However, even the sturdy walls of the home couldn’t protect them from the fierce winds. “The whole house was shaking, and the kids were all frightened,” Gross recalled. “We huddled together.”

This experience was the most terrifying she had ever endured, even having survived Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Looking out on Thursday night reminded her of a scene from “The Wizard of Oz,” she described.

− Elena Barrera, the Tallahassee Democrat

President Biden Informed of Hurricane Helene’s Effects

President Joe Biden issued a major disaster declaration for North Carolina and approved federal assistance to aid local recovery efforts. Additionally, Biden sanctioned emergency disaster relief for Tennessee as local agencies cautioned

The Nolichucky Dam in Greene County was close to collapsing, prompting officials to advise around 100,000 residents to move to higher ground. A few hours later, the National Weather Service lifted its “flash flood emergency,” but a flood warning remained active.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell plans to visit Georgia on Sunday and North Carolina on Monday, as stated by the White House, to expedite assistance for survivors and increase the number of search and rescue teams to help with recovery in North Carolina.

What is the current death toll from Helene? How many are without power?

At least 69 fatalities have been reported across various states due to Helene, according to Reuters on Sunday.

The most severe power outages caused by Helene occurred in South Carolina, affecting nearly 1 million homes and businesses, as reported by PowerOutage.us. In Georgia, around 680,000 people were left without electricity, and about 460,000 in North Carolina experienced power loss. Officials have indicated that it may take several days for power to be fully restored.

What made Helene so damaging?

Forecasters began warning last Tuesday about an upcoming mix of weather patterns that could lead to significant rainfall in the area. A weather front overhead was set to interact with a moisture plume being drawn in ahead of Helene.

David Easterling, a rain expert with NOAA’s National Climate Assessment Technical Support Unit, explained that the rain “began falling well ahead of the storm, moving up from the Gulf into our region, and the storm’s circulation brought moisture from the very warm Gulf waters.”

Such interactions involving a moisture band ahead of a tropical storm or hurricane are known as predecessor events, which have historically produced heavy rainfall before the storms make landfall. Additionally, jet stream winds exceeding 115 mph in the upper atmosphere helped increase moisture levels in the forming storms.

In North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains on Wednesday and Thursday, preliminary weather service data recorded nearly 10 inches of rain in Asheville and 8 inches in Tryon. Nearby, another 6 inches were reported in Bristol-Johnson, Tennessee, and more than 4 inches in Knoxville over the same period.

−Dinah Voyles-Pulver

Are there other storms developing in the Atlantic?

Attention remains focused on the Atlantic as hurricane season enters its final two months.

Tropical Storm Joyce formed in the central Atlantic Ocean on Friday and was located about 975 miles east of the Leeward Islands on Sunday. It is expected to weaken into a depression by Monday, but poses no threat to land.

Hurricane Isaac was situated approximately 575 miles northwest of the Azores, moving over the open Atlantic, with no current threat to land.

However, a Tropical Weather Outlook from the National Hurricane Center on Sunday at 8 a.m. indicated another system with a 50% chance of developing in the Caribbean and Gulf from Tuesday through next weekend.