(NewsNation ) — Helene’s devastation came into focus Tuesday morning as rescue crews continued to search for Americans unaccounted for and trying to reach areas that were isolated by the storm. The death toll topped 130 .
From Florida to Virginia, tens of thousands remained without power Tuesday morning — days after Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane , reaching up to 140 mph wind speeds. The system weakened as it quickly moved island, but not before causing catastrophic flooding across multiple states in the Southeast.
A crisis was unfolding in western North Carolina , where residents stranded by washed-out roads and by a lack of power and cellular service lined up for fresh water and a chance to message loved ones days after the storm that they were alive.
Debris of damaged houses are seen after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Horseshoe Beach, Florida, on September 28, 2024. At least 44 people died across five US states battered by powerful storm Helene, authorities said on September 27, after torrential flooding prompted emergency responders to launch massive rescue operations. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Keepsakes belonging to Terry Wilson lay outside his mother’s home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. Wilson said their beloved dog’s ashes were found after the flooding. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Flood damage is strewn across a road in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES – SEPTEMBER 29: A view of a home that was destroyed by fire as a result of storm surge as Hurricane Helene passed off shore in the Davis Islands neighborhood on September 29, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds of up to 140 miles per hour and storm surges that killed at least 64 people in several states. (Photo by Paul Hennessy/Anadolu via Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: A van is partially submerged in the Swannanoa River in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Vehicles damaged from flooding and debris are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: A man views the removal of debris on Catawba Avenue in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
The intersection of Main and Whaley streets is closed due to flooding as Hurricane Helene hits Columbia, South Carolina, on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Joshua Boucher/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
RUTHERFORDTON, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Downed trees on a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. At least 90 people have been killed across the southeastern U.S. due to the hurricane, according to published reports, which made landfall as a category 4 storm on Thursday. Millions are without power, according to the reports. The White House declared major disasters in North Carolina and Florida, freeing up federal emergency management money for those areas. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
FLETCHER, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: People wait in line for gasoline in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Fletcher, North Carolina. At least 90 people have been killed across the southeastern U.S. due to the hurricane, according to published reports, which made landfall as a category 4 storm on Thursday. Millions are without power, according to the reports. The White House declared major disasters in North Carolina and Florida, freeing up federal emergency management money for those areas. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
FLETCHER, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: People wait on others to pump gasoline in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Fletcher, North Carolina. At least 90 people have been killed across the southeastern U.S. due to the hurricane, according to published reports, which made landfall as a category 4 storm on Thursday. Millions are without power, according to the reports. The White House declared major disasters in North Carolina and Florida, freeing up federal emergency management money for those areas. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 28: In this aerial view, boats are piled up in front of homes after Hurricane Helene hit the area as it passed offshore on September 28, 2024 in Treasure Island, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 28: In this aerial view, fallen trees and debris line the beach after Hurricane Helene hit the area with high surge waters as it passed offshore on September 28, 2024 in Treasure Island, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – David Hester inspects damages of his house after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Horseshoe Beach, Florida, on September 28, 2024. At least 44 people died across five US states battered by powerful storm Helene, authorities said on September 27, after torrential flooding prompted emergency responders to launch massive rescue operations. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
ST. PETE BEACH, FL – SEPTEMBER 28 Hurricane Helene left this store in shambles in the Pass-A-Grille community of St. Pete Beach, FL, on Saturday, September 28, 2024. (Ted Richardson/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
North Cove, N.C. – SEPTEMBER 28: Hurricane Helene caused flooding on the North Fork Catawba River in McDowell County that washed out a bridge on Highway 22 in North Cove, N.C. on Sept. 28, 2024, disconnecting communities and isolating them from already limited resources. (Photo by Julia Wall for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: A flood-damaged road is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Two vehicles lie upended from flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES – SEPTEMBER 29: An aerial view of a home that was destroyed by fire as a result of storm surge as Hurricane Helene passed off shore in the Davis Islands neighborhood on September 29, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds of up to 140 miles per hour and storm surges that killed at least 64 people in several states. (Photo by Paul Hennessy/Anadolu via Getty Images)
OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Keep sakes belonging to Terry Wilson lay outside his mother’s home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. Wilson said their beloved dog’s ashes were found after the flooding. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Keepsakes belonging to Terry Wilson lay outside his mother’s home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. Wilson said their beloved dog’s ashes were found after the flooding. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
The death toll steadily rose to 133 as emergency workers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding. During a briefing Monday, White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall suggested as many as 600 people hadn’t been accounted for as of Monday afternoon, saying some might be dead.
President Joe Biden said he will travel to North Carolina on Wednesday to meet with officials and take an aerial tour of Asheville. He said he hoped not to interrupt “access to help there.” Then, the president will travel to Georgia and Florida.
He said earlier that the federal government would be with affected residents in the nation’s Southeast “as long as it takes.”
Asheville’s road to recovery
What was once a thriving mountainous city in North Carolina, glistening with art and historic architecture, is now a wasteland of splintered houses, crushed cargo containers and mud-covered highways.
Helene has virtually cut off Asheville from the rest of the country.
“I think now people are feeling afraid. They need resources. They need help and we definitely are at a point of desperation,” Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said.
Monday’s recovery efforts revealed that mudslides had washed away or blocked several main routes. Crews worked around the clock to repair cell towers and electricity, but several homes and businesses were completely gone.
Government officials and aid groups worked to deliver supplies by air, truck and even mule to the hard-hit tourism hub of Asheville and its surrounding mountain towns. At least 40 people died in the county that includes Asheville.
As a result, families were uprooted and lives were shattered.
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Storm damage near the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Damage from flooding in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Residents make phone calls in their neighborhood after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Mary Grace and her dog, Marley, walk around the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Residents make phone calls in their neighborhood after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Colton Dion prepares to paint a plein air documentation of the damage to the Arts District near Downtown after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Residents of Asheville view damage to the Arts District near Downtown after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
RUTHERFORDTON, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: An abandoned car sits on a previously flooded Coxe Road on September 28, 2024 near Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Several damaged vehicles littered Coxe Road after water had receded in the area. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Residents gather at Fire Station number 6 to access WiFi and check emergency information after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Cell service and internet had been down for over 48 hours. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Residents gather at Fire Station number 6 to access WiFi after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Cell service and internet had been down for over 48 hours. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Mary Grace and her dog, Marley, walk around the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Tire tracks on a mud caked street in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: A storm-damaged U-Haul truck and trailer are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Mary Grace and her dog, Marley, walk around the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Flood damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: A van is partially submerged in the Swannanoa River in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: A flood-damaged road is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: A storm-damaged U-Haul pickup truck sits along a flooded waterway in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Flood damage is strewn across a road in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 29: Police patrol in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Fallen trees in front of a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: A broken utility pole in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Fallen trees in front of a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: A fallen tree on a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Men inspect the damage from flooding in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Flood damage inside a building in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Storm damage in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: A Duke Energy lineman works on a line the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: A van flows in floodwaters near the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: A sign commentating the flood of 1916 lies on the ground next to a flooded waterway near the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Storm damage in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Storm damage in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida’s Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: A woman uses cell service in a particular spot after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Cell service and internet were mostly unavailable throughout the area, leaving people unable to contact employers, loved ones, and employees. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Residents make phone calls in front of homes obscured by downed trees after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Residents of Asheville view damage to the Arts District after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Military personnel prepare to enter a helicopter on September 28, 2024 near downtown Asheville, North Carolina. At the time of writing the Sheriff’s office reported 64 individuals unaccounted for. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: James Patton, right, makes phone calls in front of him home obscured by downed trees after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Residents make phone calls in their neighborhood after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
One family of six spoke to NewsNation after discovering their home was destroyed from the storm. They said they were originally planning on staying put to ride out Helene. However, a family member called them to tell them to evacuate because the water levels were rising.
The rain, coupled with mudslides, left their Asheville house unrecognizable and uninhabitable. Inside the structure, furniture was tossed in different directions and the ground was caked in dirt.
The family’s four kids are unable to return to school due to damage and no internet service for online learning.
“I cried. I burst into tears. I couldn’t handle it,” Jesse Kern said. “Everything that we accomplished and built up over the last six years since we lived down here, everything is gone.”
He said they now have to start from ground zero.
“I know we’ll end up being OK,” His wife Dana Wunsch said. “We have each other, we’ll be alright and pull through. But it’s going to suck, you know? But, we are staying positive.”
The family of six has been staying at a shelter nearby, which is receiving food and water through airlifted services. For now, the family’s goal is to send Wunsch and her four kids to live with her family in Ohio while Kern stays behind to tend to their dogs.
Analyzing Helene
Helene was recorded as the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region, and it was the third hurricane to hit the area in 13 months, according to the Weather Channel . The Category 4 hurricane is estimated to have brought historic storm surge, peaking at an estimated 10.33 feet in Cedar Key, Florida.
Parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina saw upward of a foot of rain, and nearly 30 inches were recorded near Busick, North Carolina, the Weather Channel reported. Virginia also experienced heavy rainfall and severe flooding
Each governor declared a state of emergency to receive federal assistance.
Multiple deaths across those states have been attributed to drowning, while some were the result of downed trees or other hurricane-related incidents, like carbon monoxide poisoning from generators.
Some of the worst destruction occurred in the storm’s center in Florida’s Big Bend region and South Georgia. Inland cities like Atlanta and Asheville were not shielded from the storm’s impact, with flooding trapping residents and leaving them isolated from contact.
AccuWeather has increased its estimate of the total damage and economic loss from Hurricane Helene from $145 billion to $160 billion.
Tropical Storm Kirk forms and could become a powerful hurricane
Tropical Storm Kirk formed Monday in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and is expected to become a “large and powerful hurricane” by Tuesday night or Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said .
The storm was located about 800 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect, and the storm system was not a threat to land.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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