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Hurricane Helene live updates: 52 dead across the South from catastrophic storm

Flooding remains a major threat through the weekend.

ByEmily Shapiro, David Brennan, Leah Sarnoff, Julia Reinstein, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: September 27, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT

Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region Thursday night as a massive Category 4 hurricane -- the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Big Bend on record.

The storm surge, wind damage and inland flooding from Helene has been catastrophic, leaving dozens dead.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Sep 27, 2024, 1:15 PM EDT

Vice President Harris briefed on Helene

Vice President Kamala Harris was briefed again Friday on Hurricane Helene, a White House official said.

Debris are left inside a flooded store after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sept. 27, 2024.
Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP via Getty Images

"Over 1,500 federal personnel have been deployed to the region, including 930 Urban Search and Rescue workers, as well medical teams and power restoration teams," the White House official said. "The Administration stands ready to provide additional support as needed and remains in close touch with officials at the state and local level."

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement, “Our hearts break for the families who have lost loved ones, for those who have lost their homes and businesses, and for those who are otherwise suffering from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.”

Sep 27, 2024, 1:11 PM EDT

Over 900 flights canceled

Over 900 flights have been canceled nationwide on Friday.

The airports facing the most cancellations are Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Tampa International Airport in Florida.

A car is submerged in the floodwaters in the Buckhead neighborhood in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Sept. 27, 2024 in Atlanta.
Megan Varner/Getty Images

The Tampa airport, which was closed all day Thursday, has since reopened.

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.

"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