Hurricane Helene, the deadliest tropical cyclone in the continental U.S. in nearly two decades and one of the costliest weather disasters in the nation’s history, is detailed in the latest final report from the National Hurricane Center. The report, spanning over 100 pages and released recently, provides a comprehensive analysis of the meteorology, forecasting accuracy, and impacts of Hurricane Helene from its formation in the Caribbean Sea on September 24 to its dissipation over Tennessee four days later.
Here are some key takeaways from the report:
– Hurricane Helene was the deadliest mainland U.S. hurricane since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, with at least 175 confirmed fatalities during the storm and an additional 71 deaths reported after the storm had passed due to various causes.
– The total death toll of at least 249 makes Helene one of the most devastating tropical cyclones to hit the U.S. mainland in recent years, surpassing the tolls of storms like Sandy, Ian, and Harvey.
– Flooding was the primary cause of death during Helene, claiming 94 lives, while wind-related fatalities accounted for 65 deaths, the highest number attributed to winds in a U.S. hurricane in over six decades.
– The storm left a trail of destruction, ranking as the seventh costliest hurricane in U.S. history, with estimated damages amounting to $78.7 billion, surpassing the costs of previous hurricanes like Ivan, Rita, and Wilma.
– Record-breaking rainfall, flooding, and landslides were observed during Helene, with up to 30 inches of rain falling in the Southern Appalachians, causing extensive flooding and prompting numerous flash flood emergencies.
The impacts of Hurricane Helene serve as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of tropical cyclones and the importance of preparedness and response efforts in mitigating their effects.
During Hurricane Helene, there were 2,015 landslides in the southern Appalachians, mostly in western North Carolina. Half of these landslides affected buildings, roads, or rivers. Helene caused widespread power outages, leaving an estimated 7.4 million customers without power in the Southeast. The hurricane’s strong winds, combined with its rapid speed and saturated ground, led to significant damage. Notable wind gusts were recorded in various locations, including a 106-mph gust atop North Carolina’s Mt. Mitchell. Helene also generated a one-story storm surge, causing extensive destruction in areas like Keaton Beach and Cedar Key. The storm surge resulted in significant property damage and tragically, fourteen deaths were attributed to it. Helene also spawned several tornadoes, including an unusually powerful EF3 tornado in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Another notable tornado was an EF1 in Cordova, South Carolina, which was exceptionally wide. Overall, Helene left a trail of destruction and loss in its wake.
