Residents of western North Carolina are facing the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which brought heavy rainfall and devastating flooding to the region. The storm has left many without access to basic necessities such as water and food, prompting emergency workers to work tirelessly to provide assistance.
The remnants of Hurricane Helene, along with another rainstorm, have collectively dumped over 40 trillion gallons of rain on the Southeast United States. This staggering amount of water has shocked experts and is equivalent to filling the Dallas Cowboys' stadium 51,000 times or Lake Tahoe once. In North Carolina alone, this volume of water would be 3.5 feet deep, highlighting the immense scale of the rainfall.
Ed Clark, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Water Center, described the precipitation as 'astronomical' and unprecedented in his 25 years of experience. The sheer volume of water that fell from the sky has created widespread flooding and challenges for residents and emergency responders.
President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit the affected areas to survey the damage and offer support to those impacted by the storm. The death toll from Hurricane Helene and related storms has already reached 133 people across the Southeast, with authorities expecting this number to rise as the full extent of the devastation becomes clear.
As the region continues to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, emergency workers are focused on clearing roads, restoring power and communication services, and assisting those who remain stranded. The resilience and determination of the affected communities are evident as they come together to overcome the challenges posed by this natural disaster.
For ongoing coverage of tropical weather developments, visit AP's weather hub for the latest updates.
