Hurricane Helene, which hit the southeastern United States, has left a bleak picture in Florida, with massive waves sweeping away entire homes and causing significant devastation.
In Steinhatchee, storm chaser Aaron Rigsby captured shocking images of storm surge that floated and collided mobile homes. These giant waves have been just one of the many catastrophic consequences of the hurricane.
At least six people have lost their lives due to the impact of Helene. One of the victims was a resident of Dixie County, Florida, who died after a tree fell on his home. Two other people lost their lives under similar circumstances, including a death in Tampa when a sign fell on a car on Interstate 4.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed the deaths at a news conference Friday morning, noting that the storm continues to wreak havoc on the region. The situation is worsened by heavy rains that have caused flash flooding in Asheville, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia. The National Weather Service warned that flooding in Asheville could reach historic levels, with the Swannanoa River seeing rapid increases in flow.
Rescues in progress and widespread damage
In Citrus County, north of Tampa, storm surge led to more than 100 water rescues overnight. Local authorities are making joint efforts to respond to emergency calls and rescue people trapped by the waters. Rescue crews from multiple agencies, including Citrus County Fire Rescue and the county Sheriff’s Office, continue to work tirelessly in the affected area.
Winds of up to 95 km/h and heavy rain have also caused significant landslides in the Southern Appalachians. While several parts of the Carolinas and Georgia remain under flash flood emergencies.
Storm Helene, which has already weakened to a tropical storm, continues to move north, although it still poses a threat with torrential rain and damaging winds.
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