A fifth death attributed to Tropical Storm Helene has been reported in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a tree was uprooted by strong winds and fell onto a home, killing one person inside, according to the Charlotte Fire Department.
The incident occurred Friday morning, and while another adult trapped in the home was successfully rescued, their condition has not yet been disclosed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among minor children who were inside the house at the time.
This fatality marks the fifth death connected to Tropical Storm Helene, which has wreaked havoc across several southeastern U.S. states. Previously confirmed storm-related deaths include one in Florida, two in Georgia, and a tragic accident in Catawba County, North Carolina, where a 4-year-old child died in a head-on collision on rain-slicked roads Thursday.
Flash Flood Emergency Issued for Atlanta
In addition to the destructive winds, a flash flood emergency has been declared for Atlanta and surrounding areas, including Midtown, College Park, and Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. The National Weather Service has issued its highest-level flood alert, indicating life-threatening conditions. Between 6 and 10 inches of rain have already inundated the region, with more expected, causing rapidly rising water levels and dangerous flooding.
Emergency management teams have reported widespread road closures and dozens of swift-water rescues as the deluge continues. An additional 1 to 2 inches of rain is forecast, further increasing the risk of life-threatening floods.
Power Outages Surge as Storm Pounds the Southeast
Tropical Storm Helene has also left more than 3.2 million customers without power across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and southern Virginia. Heavy rain and high winds have knocked down power lines and caused widespread outages.
As of Friday morning, the breakdown of power outages by state is as follows:
- Florida: 1,205,659 customers
- Georgia: 936,957 customers
- South Carolina: 849,968 customers
- North Carolina: 264,354 customers
- Virginia: 13,794 customers
Utility crews are working around the clock to restore power, but the ongoing storm conditions pose significant challenges.
