US: Disruptions ongoing across southeastern regions as of Oct. 6 following the passage of Hurricane Helene /update 1

Major disruptions continue across parts of southeastern US as of Oct. 6 following the passage of Hurricane Helene. The storm system made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane near Perry in Florida's Big Bend region at around 11:10 EDT Sept. 26. It subsequently weakened into a tropical storm as it moved over Georgia, before slowing down and transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone over Tennessee and Kentucky Sept. 28-29. Intense winds and storm surge caused severe damage in the Big Bend region of Florida as the storm crossed the coast, and strong winds, tornadoes, and persistent rainfall continued to cause flooding and damage as the system moved inland. Some areas of North Carolina recorded rainfall totals of over 76 cm (30 inches); winds gusting up to nearly 100 kph (62 mph) were felt in parts of Florida and Georgia, with storm surge rising to over 3 meters (10 feet) being observed at Cedar Key, Florida. Federal declarations of emergency have been approved across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Alabama. More than 6,700 National Guard members and close to 2,000 members of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other response organizations are in the affected area.

Preliminary information indicates that the storm has caused at least 227 fatalities: 113 in North Carolina, 48 in South Carolina, 33 in Georgia, 20 in Florida, 11 in Tennessee, and 2 in Virginia. Additionally, at least 75 people are missing in North Carolina. Buncombe County, North Carolina, was one of the worst-hit areas, with at least 30 fatalities and significant damage in cities like Asheville. Hundreds of people remain in temporary shelters due to the damage or loss of their residences. Schools in the city of Asheville, as well as in Avery, Buncombe, Madison, and Mitchell counties, will remain closed until they are safe to reopen. Other schools in western North Carolina plan to reopen on Oct. 11. Classes in the University of North Carolina at Asheville are suspended until at least Oct. 28.

Most power outages in the hurricane's path have been resolved but more than 320,000 customers remain without power in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina as of Oct. 6.

Many roads and bridges across the affected areas have been damaged or blocked by flooding and debris, leaving some areas cut off; over 400 roads in North Carolina alone were affected. Some portions of major highways remain closed, including parts of US highways 70 and 74. Thousands of flights were canceled across the region as Helene passed through; however, most flight operations have returned to normal, including at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL).

Protracted transport and business disruptions are likely as emergency crews work on recovery efforts; lingering utility disruptions are almost certain over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are likely. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.