- Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on September 26, 2024, unleashing catastrophic damage across six southeastern states
- With maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 km/h) and storm surges reaching 15 feet (4.5 meters), Helene caused widespread destruction from Florida to the Appalachian Mountains
- Helene brought catastrophic storm surge, wind damage, and inland flooding to Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia
- As of Wednesday, October 4, the death toll from Helene has risen to at least 220 people across six states, with hundreds more still missing.
- Over 1 million customers remain without power in the impacted states as recovery efforts continue.
- President Biden and Vice President Harris are scheduled to visit hard-hit areas in the Carolinas and Georgia on Wednesday to survey the damage.
State | Deaths |
---|---|
North Carolina | 74 |
South Carolina | 36 |
Georgia | 25 |
Florida | 30 |
Tennessee | 4 |
Virginia | 2 |
- Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for, especially in western North Carolina where the flooding was most severe.
- In Buncombe County, NC (which includes Asheville), hundreds are reported missing
- 85 people are missing in Tennessee according to CNN.
- Homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall said about 600 people total are unaccounted for, but authorities are hopeful some may be found alive without working cell phones.
Economic Impact
- Preliminary estimates suggest Hurricane Helene could result in economic losses ranging from $35 billion to $160 billion
- The wide range in estimates is due to the inclusion of factors beyond direct physical damage, such as lost worker productivity, health care costs, and other macroeconomic effects
- Many homeowners in affected areas lack federal flood insurance, leading to a significant gap between total economic cost and insured losses
Hurricane | Year | Category at Landfall | Death Toll | Estimated Damage |
Helene | 2024 | 4 | 220+ | $35-160 billion |
Michael | 2018 | 5 | 74 | $25 billion |
Irma | 2017 | 4 | 84 | $50 billion |
Katrina | 2005 | 3 | 1,833 | $125 billion |
Climate Change Connection
- Scientists and experts point to the influence of climate change in intensifying hurricanes like Helene
- Warmer ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico allowed Helene to rapidly intensify before making landfall
- Rising sea levels contributed to record-breaking storm surges along the Florida coast
- Increased atmospheric moisture due to warming temperatures led to extreme rainfall and catastrophic flooding
Hardest-Hit Areas
North Carolina
- Western North Carolina experienced some of the most severe impacts, with Buncombe County reporting at least 57 fatalities
- The city of Asheville was left isolated due to hundreds of road closures caused by flooding, landslides, and debris
- Many mountain communities were cut off from aid, lacking electricity, water, and cell service for days
South Carolina
- South Carolina reported 36 deaths, making Helene the deadliest tropical cyclone to strike the state since Hurricane Hugo in 1989
- Over 813,000 customers were left without power in the aftermath of the storm
- Catastrophic flooding and infrastructure damage occurred throughout the state
Georgia
- Georgia Governor Brian Kemp described the storm’s impact as looking like “a bomb went off”
- 25 deaths were confirmed in Georgia, with over 605,000 customers losing power
- Valdosta and surrounding areas near the South Carolina border were particularly hard-hit
Florida
- Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane, causing severe damage along the Gulf Coast
- 30 deaths were reported in Florida, with over 153,000 customers experiencing power outages
- Coastal communities faced significant storm surge damage, with some areas seeing water levels reach several feet
Infrastructure Challenges
- Aging infrastructure, including levees, dams, bridges, roads, and electrical grids, was not designed to withstand the growing severity of hurricanes exacerbated by climate change
- As these structures deteriorate over time, their vulnerability to failure during extreme weather events increases
- Many urban areas have expanded into flood-prone regions, such as river valleys or downstream of dams, further exacerbating the risk of severe flooding
Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage
- Over 1.3 million customers are still without power across the Southeast as of Wednesday morning:
- 494,000 outages in North Carolina
- 373,000 outages in Georgia
- 40,000 outages in Florida and Virginia
- 10,000 outages in West Virginia
- Restoring power is an arduous process, as transmission lines, substations, main lines, and individual poles and lines have to be repaired in stages.
- Helene destroyed much of the power grid and distribution network in the impacted areas.
- In Augusta, GA, downed trees and power poles are widespread, and many traffic signals are out, causing dangerous conditions.
- More than 300 roads are closed in North Carolina and some bridges have been destroyed.
Response and Recovery
- The Biden-Harris administration rapidly mobilized disaster relief aid to the affected areas, with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell surveying damage in Florida and Georgia
- 3,500 federal response personnel have been deployed to the region so far, with more expected in the coming days.
- FEMA is working to distribute $750 payments to eligible households for food, water, medicine and other emergency supplies in states that have received major disaster declarations.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is assessing impacts to water systems and working to bring them back online.
- FEMA has moved in portable equipment to help restore communications in the hardest hit areas.
- President Joe Biden visited North Carolina on October 4 to assess the damage and meet with state and local officials
- People in 17 Florida counties and 25 North Carolina counties can now apply for FEMA aid for temporary housing, home repairs, and other needs.
- Emergency declarations are still in effect for Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, allowing FEMA to provide direct federal assistance.
- Florida Sen. Rick Scott is calling on the Senate to reconvene and pass an emergency supplemental aid package for Helene victims.
- Earlier in September, Congress passed a stopgap funding bill allowing FEMA to quickly use $20 billion in disaster relief funds, but much of this is expected to go to previous disasters like flooding in Vermont and wildfires in Hawaii.
- The federal government pledged to support affected residents in the Southeast “for as long as it takes”
- Emergency responders and aid organizations worked to transport essential supplies by air, truck, and even mule to isolated communities
- Widespread power outages and infrastructure damage complicated relief efforts, with some areas expected to be without electricity for weeks
- 3,500 federal response personnel have been deployed to the region so far, with more expected in the coming days
- 92 rescue teams are conducting searches in North Carolina according to Gov. Cooper
Remembering the Victims
- Many of those who perished were first responders trying to help others in the hurricane:
- In South Carolina, a fire chief and young firefighter were killed when a tree fell on their fire truck while responding to a call.
- In Florida, a sheriff’s captain died when her vehicle was caught in floodwaters while she was driving to work.
- In North Carolina, a courthouse security officer was swept away by a swollen river while on his lunch break.
- In Georgia, a retired firefighter who was working as an assistant fire chief was killed by a falling tree.
- Other victims include a great-grandfather and his 10-year-old great-grandson who died when a tree fell on their home in Augusta, GA.
- The human toll also includes countless people who have lost their homes, belongings, and livelihoods to Helene’s destruction.
Long-Term Implications
- The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder of the increasing risks posed by climate change
- As global temperatures continue to rise, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heavy rainfall, are projected to increase
- Experts emphasize the need for adaptive strategies and infrastructure improvements to mitigate the impacts of future storms
- Updated rainfall records and design standards, such as NOAA’s forthcoming Atlas 15, will be critical for ensuring that infrastructure can withstand the challenges posed by climate change
Lessons Learned
- Hurricane Helene highlights the importance of preparing for the far-reaching impacts of hurricanes, even in areas hundreds of miles from the coast
- Improved flood risk assessment and management, particularly in vulnerable communities, can help reduce the loss of life and property damage
- Investing in resilient infrastructure and updating building codes based on the latest climate data can mitigate the impacts of future extreme weather events
- Enhancing public awareness and education about the risks associated with hurricanes and flooding can help communities better prepare for and respond to disasters
Looking Ahead
- As the southeastern United States begins the long process of recovery and rebuilding, the focus must shift towards creating more resilient and sustainable communities
- Congress must act quickly to provide the necessary resources and support for affected areas to rebuild stronger and better prepared for future challenges
- Addressing the root causes of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be critical for mitigating the growing risks posed by extreme weather events
- By learning from the tragic lessons of Hurricane Helene and investing in climate resilience, we can work towards a safer and more sustainable future for all
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Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact across the southeastern United States serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing risks posed by climate change and the urgent need for action. As communities begin the long road to recovery, it is crucial that we prioritize investments in resilient infrastructure, improved flood risk management, and public education to mitigate the impacts of future storms. By working together to address the root causes of climate change and build stronger, more sustainable communities, we can honor the lives lost and ensure a safer future for generations to come.
FAQs:
What is the current death toll from Hurricane Helene?
As of Wednesday, October 4, 2024, the death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen to at least 220 people across six states. The storm has been one of the deadliest to strike the mainland U.S. in over 50 years.
Which areas were most affected by Hurricane Helene?
The hurricane caused widespread destruction from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains, with North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida experiencing the most severe impacts.
How many people are still missing?
Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for, with about 600 people reported missing according to homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall.
How many people are without power?
Over 2 million customers remain without electricity across several southeastern states.
What areas experienced the worst flooding?
Western North Carolina experienced unprecedented and catastrophic flooding, with the town of Swannanoa being decimated by severe flooding along the Swannanoa River.
How is the federal government responding?
President Biden has approved major disaster declarations for Florida and North Carolina, allowing survivors to access FEMA aid. Emergency declarations are in effect for Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
What should I do if my home was damaged?
If your home was damaged, contact your local emergency management office, document all damages, file an insurance claim if applicable, and apply for FEMA assistance if you’re in an eligible area.
How long will recovery take?
The full scope of damage is still being assessed as many areas remain inaccessible. Long-term recovery will take significant time and resources at the federal, state and local levels. Rebuilding homes, businesses, infrastructure and whole communities decimated by Helene will be a long and difficult process in the months and years ahead.
How strong was Hurricane Helene when it made landfall?
Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 km/h).
What was the economic impact of Hurricane Helene?
Preliminary estimates suggest Hurricane Helene could result in economic losses ranging from $35 billion to $160 billion.
How has climate change affected hurricanes like Helene?
Climate change is believed to be intensifying hurricanes by warming ocean temperatures, raising sea levels, and increasing atmospheric moisture, leading to more rapid intensification and extreme rainfall.
How can I help the victims of Hurricane Helene?
You can donate to organizations such as the American Red Cross, The Florida Disaster Fund, Salvation Army, and United Way of Florida, which are accepting monetary donations to support relief efforts.
What role did rapid intensification play in Hurricane Helene?
Hurricane Helene underwent rapid intensification before making landfall, a trend that is becoming more common due to climate change and warmer ocean temperatures.
Related Resources:
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/3/hurricane-helene-death-toll-us-climbs-200
- https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/02/hurricane-helene-destruction-timeline
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4ywwxv34po
- https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-helene-north-carolina-asheville-f02869c7d01e68f2d7f0553abb82252f
- https://www.npr.org/2024/10/01/nx-s1-5133530/hurricane-helene-rain-flooding-climate-change
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/hurricane-helene?entryId=114453687&id=113931821&s=08
- https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-helene-florida-north-carolina-georgia-09-30-24/index.html
- https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/helenes-death-toll-hits-200-and-may-keep-rising-as-crews-enter-most-remote-areas-hit-by-storm
- https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20240930/fema-administrator-visits-impacted-areas-helene-federal-family-continues
- https://www.weather.gov/ilm/Helene2024
- https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2024-09-27-hurricane-helene-florida-georgia-landfall-flood-power-outages
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNanDMnwbSE