Helene Becomes the Deadliest Hurricane to Hit Mainland U.S. since Katrina

Helene is now recognized as the second deadliest hurricane to hit the continental United States since Katrina, in 2005 (Credit: Facebook)

Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across several southeastern states through catastrophic storm surges, wind damage, and extensive inland flooding. The storm has claimed at least 189 lives, according to The Associated Press, making it the deadliest mainland hurricane since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which resulted in nearly 1,400 deaths.

Helene made landfall last week in Florida's Big Bend region as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, leading to widespread destruction in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.