Hurricane Helene

Overview

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on September 26, 2024, as a Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds. The storm caused catastrophic damage across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. At least 250 people were killed, including 176 direct deaths, making it the deadliest hurricane in the contiguous US since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm's remnants brought unprecedented inland flooding to western North Carolina, devastating mountain communities that rarely experience hurricane impacts. Damage exceeded $78 billion. FEMA deployed more than 5,000 personnel and approved over $1.4 billion in assistance, including $883 million for individuals and families. The Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Team Rubicon, and dozens of other organizations mounted a massive multi-state relief effort. Recovery continues in the hardest-hit communities.