Severe weather struck parts of the Southeast on Wednesday as torrential rain caused flooding in various areas, setting the stage for the potentially dangerous impact of Hurricane Helene's heavy rainfall.
Reports indicate that widespread rain exceeding 2 inches fell across central Georgia, the mountains of Tennessee, the Carolinas, and extending north into Virginia. These rainfall totals were recorded from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning, with some regions experiencing several inches of rain within a short period.
Notably, parts of far western North Carolina received over half a foot of rain, with Helene expected to bring an additional one to two feet of rainfall over the weekend. A level 4 out of 4 risk of flooding has been issued for this area, as well as for western South Carolina and northwest Georgia on Thursday.
The Weather Prediction Center has warned of the potential for catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding, urban flooding, and major landslides due to the heavy rainfall accumulation from Wednesday combined with the expected downpour.
Furthermore, another area at a level 4 out of 4 risk is identified for portions of the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia, close to where Helene is projected to make landfall later in the day. Rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches are anticipated to inundate this region within a short timeframe.
The situation remains critical as residents and authorities brace for the impact of Hurricane Helene, with the looming threat of extensive flooding and hazardous conditions in multiple areas across the Southeast.
