Hurricane Helene updates: Death toll surpasses 230 as rescue efforts continue

Helene unleashed devastation across the Southeast.

Video byLilia Geho
Last Updated: October 7, 2024, 7:41 AM EDT

More than 230 people have been killed from Hurricane Helene, which unleashed devastation across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

Helene, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a massive Category 4 hurricane, has become the deadliest mainland hurricane since Katrina in 2005.

Sep 27, 2024, 12:39 PM EDT

Rescue operations underway in Georgia

In Valdosta, Georgia, search and rescue teams are trying to reach people trapped inside heavily damaged buildings, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said.

"We are asking for patience as we prioritize critical medical emergencies and essential services,” he said.

Helene hit especially hard between Valdosta and Augusta.

A damaged 100-year-old home is seen after an Oak tree landed on the home after Hurricane Helene moved through the area, Sept. 27, 2024, in Valdosta, Ga.
Mike Stewart/AP

Atlanta is facing major flooding.

Sep 27, 2024, 11:29 AM EDT

Mandatory evacuations ordered amid 'catastrophic rain' in North Carolina

Mandatory evacuations are in place for some residents of Asheville in western North Carolina as "catastrophic rain" causes severe flooding in the region.

A local resident helps free a car that became stranded in a stretch of flooding road as Tropical Storm Helene strikes, on the outskirts of Boone, North Carolina, Sept. 27, 2024.
Jonathan Drake/Reuters

Over 100 people have been rescued from the rising waters and numerous landslides have been reported during the "fierce storm," North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said Friday.

Cooper said the "priority now is saving lives."

WTVD's Tamara Scott has the latest on the storm's impact.
1:40

North Carolina faces flooding emergency

WTVD's Tamara Scott has the latest on the storm's impact.
ABCNews.com

"People in western North Carolina should consider all roads closed unless you are seeking higher ground," he said.

Parts of North Carolina have recorded up to 15 inches of rain, with more expected through Friday. Some areas are expecting as much as 20 inches

-ABC News’ Max Golembo and Matt Foster

Sep 27, 2024, 8:47 AM EDT

Flash flood emergency issued in Atlanta; baby, 2 adults rescued on top of car

A flash flood emergency has been issued in Atlanta, where 4 to 6 inches of rain has fallen so far.

ABC News’ Faith Abubey reports as the now-tropical storm continues to batter the Southeast.
0:49

Flooding from Helene prompts water rescues in Georgia

ABC News’ Faith Abubey reports as the now-tropical storm continues to batter the Southeast.
ABCNews.com

More than 25 people have been rescued from life-threatening floodwaters in Atlanta, officials said.

Unexpected swift currents trapped a family of two adults and an infant on top of their car, and crews used a rope and a boat to help them to safety, Atlanta Fire Rescue said.

Another 1 or 2 inches of rain is possible, and the rainfall rate is expected to be 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour, the National Weather Service said.

Flooding is seen in Peachtree Park in Atlanta on Sept. 27, 2024.
WSB
Flooding is seen in Peachtree Park in Atlanta on Sept. 27, 2024.
WSB

Residents are urged to seek higher ground.

Atlanta Public Schools are closed on Friday.

Flash flood emergencies are also in effect in Asheville, North Carolina, and Clemson, South Carolina.

-ABC News' Faith Abubey

Sep 27, 2024, 8:38 AM EDT

'The water came in from everywhere'

JoAnn Martino told ABC News the water reached 2 feet inside her home in St. Pete Beach, Florida, just outside of St. Petersburg.

JoAnn Martino told ABC News the water reached 2 feet inside her home in St. Pete Beach, Florida, just outside of St. Petersburg.
1:14

Florida resident on Helene: 'The water came in from everywhere'

JoAnn Martino told ABC News the water reached 2 feet inside her home in St. Pete Beach, Florida, just outside of St. Petersburg.
JoAnn Martino

"The water came in from everywhere all at once," she said.

"After using all our funds to rebuild after [Hurricane] Ian [in 2022], we just don't know what we will do this time," she said. "We've lost everything again."

PHOTO: An airboat transporting residents rescued from flood waters due to storm surge due from Hurricane Helene is seen Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River,
Fla.
An airboat transporting residents rescued from flood waters due to storm surge due from Hurricane Helene is seen Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla.
Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times/ZUMA via Shutterstock

-ABC News’ Helena Skinner