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Hurricane Helene live updates: 6 dead, 4 million without power

Flash flood emergencies are in effect in Georgia and the Carolinas.

Last Updated: September 27, 2024, 8:49 AM 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.

Helene has since weakened to a tropical storm and is now pushing through Georgia and the Carolinas, bringing catastrophic rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding as the storm moves toward Tennessee.

37 minutes ago

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.

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

1 hour ago

'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.

"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

1 hour ago

Video shows deputy rescuing teen from flooded car

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa, Florida, released dramatic video showing the moment one of its deputies rescued a teenage girl who was trapped in her car in rising floodwaters. The deputy lifted her out of her car and drove her to safety.

2 hours ago

Helene death toll rises to 6

At least six people have died as Hurricane Helene slams the South.

Jamir Lewis wades through flood waters with his two daughters Nylah and Aria due to storm surge from Hurricane Helene, Sept. 27, 2024 in Crystal River, Fla.
Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times/ZUMA via Shutterstock

In Charlotte, North Carolina, one person was killed and another was injured when a tree fell on a house, according to the Mecklenburg EMS Agency.

Two people died in Laurens County in central Georgia, according to local officials. Two others died in nearby Wheeler County, Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp confirmed.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that one person was killed on the I-4 highway near Tampa when a sign fell on a car.

A capsized boat washes ashore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on Sept. 26, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

-ABC News' Ahmad Hemingway