Residents downstream of two dams on the North Carolina-Tennessee border were told to urgently evacuate after reports that the structures were at risk of failure due to flooding and deluges from Hurricane Helene.
The Waterville Dam in Tennessee, which sits across the state line from Newport, North Carolina, was declared a state of emergency. Residents in Newport, a town of 7,000 people, were ordered to get out on Friday afternoon.
Earlier on Friday in another part of North Carolina, Rutherford County emergency management officials warned residents below the Lake Lure dam to evacuate due to “imminent failure” – but later said the structure was holding.
At least 42 people have died after Helene crashed into Florida as a 140mph, Category 4 hurricane late Thursday, pounding the west coast with “unsurvivable” conditions including 15ft storm surge. Helene has since been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone but is still packing “life-threatening” conditions as it plows north.
There were seven deaths reported in Florida, and a total of 15 people died in Georgia, including an emergency responder. Another 19 deaths were reported in South Carolina including two people who died when trees fell on houses Friday morning. North Carolina reported two deaths.
By late Friday, Helene was moving north towards Louisville, Kentucky and threatening more dangerous downpours over the Appalachia region.
Key Points
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Death toll: At least 42 killed by Hurricane Helene
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Helene becomes a post-tropical cyclone, still bringing historic flooding
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More than 4 million homes and businesses left without power
First responder among those killed in Georgia
13:53 , Michelle Del Rey
Vernon “Leon” Davis, the Blackshear Fire Department’s assistant chief, died when a tree fell on his city truck shortly before 1.30 am Friday, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Video shows Atlanta firefighters make heroic water rescue
12:53 , Michelle Del Rey
Helene damages historic Georgia buildings
11:53 , Michelle Del Rey
Multiple historic buildings have partially collapsed in downtown Valdosta.
Major North Carolina highway is washed out from Helene
10:53 , Michelle Del Rey
Sections of North Carolina’s I-40 are washed out following impacts from Tropical Depression Helene.
I-40 west of Asheville is now confirmed washed out too. All major highways into the region are now closed or destroyed. https://t.co/DHGUSN87Fr
— Peter Forister 🍁🍂🍁 (@forecaster25) September 27, 2024
Helene becomes a post-tropical cyclone – but historic impacts continue in southern Appalachians
08:53 , Michelle Del Rey
Helene has been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, but severe the National Hurricane Center said historic and catastrophic impacts would continue through Saturday.
“Widespread serious river flooding is ongoing, some of which will be major to record breaking,” the agency wrote on X.
Alligators spotted swimming in Florida streets
07:53 , Michelle Del Rey
In Sarasota, Florida alligators have been spotted swimming through streets amid flooding.
Coast Guard officials release footage of Florida rescue of man and his dog
06:53 , Michelle Del Rey
🚨 HEROIC RESCUE! The U.S. Coast Guard shared a video of their daring rescue of a man and his dog after their sailboat was disabled during Hurricane #Helene. Both are safe and in good health.
📹: AST2 Hudson, edited by Lt. Cmdr. Kellerman, AirSta Clearwater pic.twitter.com/aD5lpt8cxz
— John-Carlos Estrada 🎙️ (@Mr_JCE) September 27, 2024
Several injured after North Carolina tornado tears through city
05:53 , Michelle Del Rey
Four people were critically injured and numerous others sustained minor injuries after a tornado touched down in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Some of this damage is even more jarring from up above. These images are from Tiffany Boulevard in Rocky Mount just hours after a tornado touched down there. Photos are from Hunter Lilley. @WRAL pic.twitter.com/Yv3QEpA3zp
— WRAL Heidi Kirk (@heididkirk) September 27, 2024
Officials said three buildings received significant damage. Images and video posted to social media showed the remains of buildings scattered around city blocks.
We’re getting some of the first images of the tornado damage in Rocky Mount. This video is from Alpha Automotive on Wesleyan Blvd where we are hearing some of the worst damage is. We now have @WRAL crews on the ground. pic.twitter.com/Q6QzfoahMr
— WRAL Heidi Kirk (@heididkirk) September 27, 2024
The damage appeared to be concentrated on Wesleyan Boulevard and Tiffany Boulevard. An 18-wheel tractor-trailer truck also flipped over in that area, but the driver was not hurt.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Hurricane Helene surrounds Pinellas County cars with massive amounts of sand
04:53 , Michelle Del Rey
Images from Florida’s Pinellas County show just how destructive water can be.
Sheriff joined Pinellas County Government for a press conference earlier this morning. Here are the highlights of what he shared. Deputies are still responding to 911 calls that came out overnight and supporting crews during the cleanup. pic.twitter.com/UHX7OJM0lF
— Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 27, 2024
US mobilizes more than 1500 federal personnel to support impacted communities, VP says
03:59 , Michelle Del Rey
Vice President Kamala Harris gives update on Hurricane Helene while at a news conference in Arizona.
“We have food, water, generators that are ready for deployment,” Harris said. “We are working to restore power to millions of people who currently are experiencing outages.”
Still, Harris said, destruction from the storm is not over. “The storm continues to be dangerous and deadly,” she said.
More than 150,000 people in Kentucky without power as storm hits
03:39 , Michelle Del Rey
After hitting the East Coast on Thursday night, Hurricane Helene, now a post-tropical cyclone, made its way toward Kentucky, forcing thousands of residents there to lose power, according to poweroutage.us.
Wind gusts reached 50 to 60 mph and several residents across the state reported fallen trees and other damage, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. In Central Kentucky, two schools — Christ the King School and Lexington Catholic High School — sent students home early.
Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency in eight counties, including Boyd, Breathitt, Clark, Clay, Lee, Letcher, Magoffin and Wolfe. Four cities are also under a state of emergency. They are: Ashland, Catlettsburg, Clay City and Winchester.
TN Highway Patrol says flooding has washed away roads
03:26 , Michelle Del Rey
Flooding has potentially put infrastructure at risk in East Tennessee, the agency confirmed in a X post.
“Please use extreme caution if you must travel,” the statement reads. “We stand with these communities and our partners as we continue to work together to get through this traumatic time.”
Severe flooding has washed away roadways and has possibly placed infrastructure at risk in East Tennessee. Please use extreme caution if you must travel. We stand with these communities and our partners as we continue to work together to get through this traumatic time. pic.twitter.com/4WB6ahEiuG
— TN Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) September 27, 2024
Lake Lure dam in North Carolina continues to hold and is structurally stable
03:18 , Michelle Del Rey
Olivia Stewman, the Lake Lure town manager, said a structural engineer found the dam in “stable condition,” despite reports it had been damaged earlier on Friday, NBC News reported. The dam lost power early Friday, but power has been restored.
Potable water service shut down in Pinellas County
02:49 , Michelle Del Rey
Pinellas County Utilities will restrict potable water service on the barrier islands from John’s Pass south to Fort De Soto starting at 8pmdue to storm-related damages and flooding.
The county said the issue will pose a health and safety risk to all residents and businesses in the area for the next several days.
“We are asking any residents who have not yet evacuated to do so now,” the county said.
One person in Virginia has died from a falling tree
02:25 , Michelle Del Rey
Governor Glenn Youngkin said one person in southwestern Virginia died after a tree fell and building collapsed in Craig County.
A dam near North Carolina-Tennessee border is not experiencing a ‘catastrophic failure’
02:13 , Michelle Del Rey
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is confirming the Walters Dam near Newport has not failed. Still, Cocke County residents are being ordered to evacuate.
Northeast Tennessee continues to be impacted by flooding. People living in a flood prone area should find higher ground, evacuate if they are told to, and stay informed of the evolving situation, the agency said.
Over 500,000 without power in Florida
01:33 , Michelle Del Rey
Poweroutage.us is reporting 568,861 are without power in the sunshine state nearly 24 hours after Hurricane Helene made landfall.
Death toll in South Carolina rises to 19
01:12 , Michelle Del Rey
Five people are reported dead in Spartanburg County.
Spartanburg County Corner Rusty Clevenger said he couldn’t remember another storm that had caused as many deaths as Helene, The Post and Courier reports.
A mother and twin sons among those dead in Georgia
Saturday 28 September 2024 00:52 , Michelle Del Rey
A 27-year-old mother and her two 1-month-old twins were killed when trees fell on their house in Thomson, Georgia McDuffie County Coroner Paul Johnson told the AP.
The coroner said an 89-year-old woman was killed when trees fell on her house elsewhere in the same county.
Hurricane Helene downgraded to post-tropical cyclone
Saturday 28 September 2024 00:16 , Michelle Del Rey
According to the AP, Hurricane Helene has been downgraded from a tropical depression to a post-tropical cyclone.
The hurricane center said it expected the storm to continue producing heavy rain in the area and cause severe flash-flooding as a result.
Military members working with FEMA to respond to Helene
Friday 27 September 2024 23:55 , Michelle Del Rey
Military members from Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama are now helping people harmed by Helene.
“It’s a web of a lot of professionals working together. We have our own transportation department. And they do a great job of just organizing us,” said FEMA staging unit leader Author Manning, according to WSFA12. Hundreds of service members call the base home and are mobilizing in response to the storm. Meals and aid are expected to make their way out of the base in the coming days.
Insurers could pay $5B to cover losses from Helene
Friday 27 September 2024 23:00 , Julia Musto
Insurance data provider A.M. Best on Friday estimated that insurers will pay $5 billion or more to cover losses from Hurricane Helene.
A.M. Best said insurers paid $2.5 billion to $4 billion in losses for Hurricane Idalia last year, and it expects losses from Helene to be more severe.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Curfew issued in western North Carolina community
Friday 27 September 2024 22:45 , Julia Musto
Officials in a western North Carolina town have issued a curfew due to safety risks from flooded streets and downed power lines from what remains of Hurricane Helene.
“It’s very dangerous out there,” Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb said. “If you don’t have to be out, don’t go out.”
Lamb said the curfew would occur over a 12-hour period starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
With reoprting from The Associated Press
Pinellas County police say Florida’s barrier islands will remain closed Friday
Friday 27 September 2024 22:20 , Julia Musto
Barrier Islands will remain closed and be re-evaluated tomorrow. Crews are working to clear roadways, debris, and address infrastructure. Deputies will be providing extra security.
We’re working to arrange transportation off the islands starting at 6PM. Info forthcoming. pic.twitter.com/u0LOM4Ar2w
— Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 27, 2024
Sign has stark warning for North Carolina travelers
Friday 27 September 2024 21:51 , Julia Musto
Tropical Storm Joyce is strengthening in the Atlantic
Friday 27 September 2024 21:49 , Julia Musto
Tropical Storm Joyce has become more organized, the National Hurricane Center said Friday.
The Atlantic storm was moving toward the northwest, and some additional strengthening was forecast through early Saturday.
Gradual weakening is expected next week.
North Carolina officials say Lake Lure dam ‘currently holding’ after urgent evacuations
Friday 27 September 2024 20:31 , Julia Musto
Residents downstream of a North Carolina dam have been ordered to evacuate after the barrier was “compromised” by floodwaters due to Hurricane Helene.
In a series of Facebook posts on Friday, the Rutherfood County Emergency Management Department told those living nearby to immediately flee to higheer ground due to flash floods overtopping the Lake Lure Dam.
“Water is cresting the dam and flowing around the side walls. Structural supports have been compromised, but the dam wall is currently holding,” the Department said at 1:44pm local time.
The Independent’s Io Dodd has the latest:
Video from Florida’s Sarasota County shows widespread flooding impacts
Friday 27 September 2024 20:25 , Julia Musto
As we continue our damage assessment and recovery efforts, this video captured by the Sarasota Police Drone Unit displays the impact of #HurricaneHelene on our community. St. Armands & and Lido Keys, both Level A evacuation zones, experienced significant flooding and storm surge. pic.twitter.com/otj7aKIPuB
— Sarasota Police Department (@SarasotaPD) September 27, 2024
Tornado hits North Carolina businesses
Friday 27 September 2024 20:13 , Julia Musto
A tornado was confirmed Friday in northern Rocky Mount, city communications specialist Robin Cox told The Associated Press.
There was damage to businesses in the area, but the city did not yet confirm if there were any injuries.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Dozens rescued. from flooded Tennessee hospital
Friday 27 September 2024 20:10 , Julia Musto
Ballad on UCH: 54 people have been relocated to the roof of the building and seven remain in rescue boats. TEMA and National Guard resources are engaged in what can only be described as a dangerous rescue operation.
— Tri-Cities WX/ALERTS (@wxnotifications) September 27, 2024
Dozens of people were being rescued by helicopter from a flooded Tennessee hospital inundated by Helene.
Some 54 people were moved to the roof of the Unicoi County Hospital while water rapidly flooded the facility.
North Carolina’s Lake Lure dam is ‘compromised’ but holding
Friday 27 September 2024 19:28 , Julia Musto
North Carolina’s Rutherford County said while water is cresting and flowing around the side walls of its Lake Lure dam, and the dam’s structural supports have been comprimised, the dam wall is “currently holding.”
“Evacuations have occurred from the Dam to Island Creek Road. Evacuation sirens are sounding downstream of the Dam. Emergency personnel are working with the structural engineers and are going house to house to ensure all citizens have been evacuated. Evacuees are being transported temporarily to Ingles in Lake Lure,” it said.
People in the area can text AlertRC to 888777 to get emergency updates.
Tropical Depression Helene still producing historic, catastrophic flooding in Appalachians, Southeast
Friday 27 September 2024 18:50 , Julia Musto
Tropical Depression Helene was moving about 125 miles south-southeast of Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday afternoon.
The storm was still moving north-northwest, with a slowdown in speed expected.
The depression is forecast to stall over the Tennessee Valley tonight and through the weekend.
Continued slow weakening is expected, and Helene is forecast to become extratropical later this afternoon.
Tropical Depression #Helene Advisory 17A: Helene Still Producing Historic and Catastrophic Flooding Over Portions of the Southeast and Southern Appalachians. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 27, 2024
Carolinas, Tennessee have seen at least a half of foot of rain since Tuesday
Friday 27 September 2024 18:37 , Julia Musto
Preliminary data shows rainfall in parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee reached at least a half a foot between Tuesday and Friday.
Some parts of the region saw more than a foot of rain.
A map from the National Weather Service shows massive amounts of rain there since Tuesday.
Here is a preliminary map of the event total rainfall, since 8 AM Tuesday (3-day totals). Keep in mind this does not include additional rain since 8 AM this morning and that the data has not been thoroughly quality-controlled. #ncwx #scwx #gawx pic.twitter.com/UEaquDt2SY
— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) September 27, 2024
Social media video, images show life-threatening debris flow and flooding in Boone
Friday 27 September 2024 18:20 , Julia Musto
To all the Liberty fans and players saying we are scared to play or a ducking them, the first picture is the main road to get in and out of Boone, the other is river street, the road our stadium is on. pic.twitter.com/slqwuRCVwI
— App State Meme Guy (@miss_the_mtns) September 27, 2024
Even though I moved to Wisconsin, North Carolina is still my home. I went to App State and lived in Boone for years.
Even still, I can’t believe what I’m seeing. These images are shocking.
Stay safe, everyone.#Helene pic.twitter.com/xd9JyPxWK3
— Noah Cornelius (@noahcorneliustv) September 27, 2024
North Carolina residents told to evacuate due to ‘imminent’ dam failure from Hurricane Helene floodwaters
Friday 27 September 2024 18:16 , Julia Musto
A dam in North Carolina is in imminent danger of failing due to Hurricane Helene, according to local officials.
The National Weather Service (NWS) told nearby residents on Friday morning to immediately evacuate to a safe place due to flash floods overtopping the Lake Lure Dam in Rutherford County.
The Independent’s Io Dodds has the latest:
At least six people have died in South Carolina
Friday 27 September 2024 18:11 , Julia Musto
Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables told The Associated Press that four people had died overnight.
He planned to release more details later.
Two others in Anderson were killed by falling trees.
Images out of Boone show impassable roads
Friday 27 September 2024 18:00 , Julia Musto
New images out of Boone, North Carolina, show impassable roads due to Helene’s flooding.
Helene forces cancellation of Appalachian State football game
Friday 27 September 2024 17:59 , Julia Musto
Appalachian State canceled its home football game against Liberty due to damage caused by Helene.
The game was scheduled for Saturday and will not be rescheduled.
The news comes as North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper warned people to stay off the roads in the western part of his state. Swift-water rescues are underway in the area.
Connecticut Army National Guard deploys to North Carolina
Friday 27 September 2024 17:45 , Julia Musto
The Connecticut Army National Guard is deploying to North Carolina on Friday.
Its 1-169th Aviation Regiment is providing one CH-47 Chinook helicopter and a five-soldier flight crew for approximately one week.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Flash flood emergency declared for North Carolina’s Lake Lure Dam
Friday 27 September 2024 17:31 , Julia Musto
The Lake Lure Dam in Rutherford County, North Carolina, is failing.
“URGENT: FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR THE LAKE LURE DAM! DAM FAILURE IMMINENT! RESIDENTS BELOW THE DAM NEED TO EVACUATE TO HIGHER GROUND IMMEDIATELY!” the National Weather Service warned.
#BREAKING – The Lake Lure Dam in Rutherford County, NC is failing. Emergency units below the dam are fleeing. Dam operators tried to do an emergency release, but it wasn’t enough. The power of the water has broken the support for the dam and a failure is imminent. EVERYONE GET… pic.twitter.com/Vj8LzIWfjn
— Tyler Metcalf (@tymetwx) September 27, 2024
Friday 27 September 2024 17:30 , Julia Musto
Video shows North Carolina’s Swannanoa River rising amid the storm.
North Carolina Transportation Department shares scary image of I-40
Friday 27 September 2024 17:15 , Julia Musto
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says 11 people killed by causes related to Helene
Friday 27 September 2024 17:03 , Julia Musto
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said 11 people have died so far in Georgia from causes related to Hurricane Helene.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the governor said an emergency responder was among those who had died.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Pinellas County police rescue people trapped in their homes
Friday 27 September 2024 17:00 , Julia Musto
Photos show Pinellas County officers as they assist people who are still trapped in their Florida homes.
Images show North Carolina rescues as Helene bears down on the state
Friday 27 September 2024 16:45 , Julia Musto
Images show North Carolina rescue efforts as Helene bears down on the state.
