Hurricane Helene: Deadliest Since Katrina, Major Cost

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida's Big Bend region on September 26, 2024, has been declared the deadliest U.S. hurricane since Katrina, causing 248 deaths, with 105 in North Carolina alone. The National Hurricane Center's report states that Helene caused $78.7 billion in damages, making it the seventh-costliest hurricane in U.S. history. The storm's impact was severe in the southeastern U.S. and southern Appalachians, particularly in North Carolina, where it resulted in $53 billion in damages. Helene's fast forward motion led to widespread destruction, including power outages affecting 7.4 million customers and significant structural damage across multiple states. The hurricane's aftermath includes ongoing recovery efforts and significant river flooding in South Carolina due to historic rainfall. Helene also produced 21 tornadoes in South Carolina, contributing to its devastating impact.