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Hurricane Helene live updates: 52 dead in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia
Flooding remains a major threat through the weekend.
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:
Floodwaters leave dozens trapped on roof of Tennessee hospital
When dangerous floodwaters quickly surrounded Tennessee’s Unicoi County Hospital and seeped inside the building, many inside could no longer be safely evacuated and were forced to relocate to the roof, according to the hospital.
Fifty-four people are trapped on the roof and seven are in rescue boats, according to Ballad Health.
"The flooding of the property happened so quickly the ambulances could not safely approach the hospital," hospital officials said. It was too dangerous for boats to evacuate the hospital, and due to the high winds, helicopters can’t help with evacuations, officials said.
"The situation at the hospital is very dangerous," officials said. State and local rescuers "are engaged in what can only be described as a dangerous rescue operation."
-ABC News’ Alexandra Faul
Vice President Harris briefed on Helene
Vice President Kamala Harris was briefed again Friday on Hurricane Helene, a White House official said.
"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.”
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.
The Tampa airport, which was closed all day Thursday, has since reopened.
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.
Atlanta is facing major flooding.