Hurricane Helene made landfall late Thursday evening, causing widespread devastation across several southeastern states.

As it struck Florida's Big Bend region, Helene became the first Category 4 storm to hit the area since 1851, resulting in widespread flooding and power outages, and the impact of the storm has led to at least 47 confirmed deaths, with authorities warning that the toll could rise further in the coming days, as Breitbart reports.

The storm has left millions without power and caused billions of dollars in damage, disrupting life across multiple states.

Helene made its first impact near Perry, Florida, at approximately 11:10 p.m., causing immediate flooding and destruction in the surrounding areas.

As the storm progressed inland, it was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone on Friday but continued to leave a trail of destruction as it moved across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and beyond.

Power Outages Affect Millions Across Several States

In the wake of the storm, power outages became one of the most significant challenges for residents. Early Saturday morning, reports indicated that more than 3.25 million customers across five states were without power. South Carolina and Georgia were hit particularly hard, with over a million outages in South Carolina and more than 777,000 reported in Georgia.

North Carolina experienced extreme rainfall, with areas like Busick receiving up to 29.6 inches of rain, and Mount Mitchell recording 24.2 inches. The immense volume of water contributed to significant flooding, with local authorities and emergency responders working around the clock to ensure public safety.

First Category 4 Hurricane to Hit Big Bend Since 1851

The National Hurricane Center emphasized the historical significance of Hurricane Helene, noting that it was the first Category 4 storm to make landfall in Florida's Big Bend region since record-keeping began in 1851. The storm's severity prompted swift evacuation orders in Florida and nearby states as residents prepared for the worst.

Footage from the aftermath showed extensive flooding in Florida, with helicopters from the National Guard deployed to rescue stranded residents, including those at a hospital in Tennessee who had been trapped on a rooftop. Emergency services were stretched thin, dealing with the scope of the destruction.

Travel And Transportation Disrupted As Storm Moves North

As Helene moved northward, it continued to wreak havoc on transportation and infrastructure. By Saturday, at least 1,600 flights had been canceled, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. Major highways were closed due to flooding and downed trees, further complicating efforts to restore normalcy.

Western Kentucky was among the areas still in Helene's path on Saturday, with the storm expected to slowly move southeast and along the Kentucky-Tennessee border throughout the weekend. With each passing hour, the storm continued to threaten additional areas with more rain, wind, and potential flooding.

States Of Emergency Declared Across Southeast

Governors in affected states acted swiftly in response to the devastation. Tennessee was placed under a declaration of emergency, joining a growing list of states seeking federal assistance for recovery efforts. The declaration allows Tennessee to access federal recovery funds, which are expected to play a crucial role in rebuilding communities that suffered significant damage.

As cleanup efforts began across the southeastern United States, the economic toll of Hurricane Helene became clearer. The storm is expected to cost billions in damages, affecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The long-term impact on local economies, particularly in rural areas that were hardest hit, is expected to be significant.

Relief Efforts Underway, Though Challenges Remain

While emergency services and relief workers have mobilized to help those affected, the scale of the disaster has posed significant logistical challenges. Power companies are working to restore electricity, but it may take days or even weeks before service is fully restored in some areas. Similarly, clearing roadways and restoring critical infrastructure remains a top priority as communities struggle to recover from the storm.

The federal government has pledged to support recovery efforts, with FEMA and other agencies already on the ground assessing the damage. However, with so many states affected by the storm, the coordination of resources will be a monumental task.

Conclusion: Hurricane Helene Leaves Lasting Impact

Hurricane Helene has left a lasting mark on the southeastern United States, with widespread destruction, power outages, and a rising death toll.

The storm, which made history as the first Category 4 hurricane to hit Florida's Big Bend region, has disrupted lives and economies across multiple states.

As recovery efforts continue, the full scope of Helene's impact is still unfolding, with billions of dollars in damages and months, if not years, of rebuilding ahead for the affected communities.