Sheets of rain and wind are unleashed onto the South by Helene, millions need electricity

Emergency crews responded quickly on Friday to rescue individuals trapped in flooded homes after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm, generating significant storm surge and knocking out power to millions across several states. At least six fatalities have been reported as a result of the storm.

The hurricane struck late Thursday in the rural Big Bend area, where it registered maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 kph).

The impact of Helene was felt far beyond Florida, with flooding reported as far north as North Carolina and widespread power outages affecting Georgia as well.

Rhonda Bell, a resident of Valdosta, Georgia, recounted her harrowing experience after a large oak tree crashed through her roof.

Videos circulating on social media depicted intense rainfall and damage in nearby Perry, Florida, where homes were overturned and curfews were implemented in many communities.

First responders utilized boats to reach those trapped by flooding in Citrus County, Florida, urging anyone in distress not to attempt to navigate the floodwaters themselves due to the potential hazards.

Rescuers in Tampa also faced challenges as they worked to assist stranded residents, with Mayor Jane Castor emphasizing that flooding was a primary concern.

As of Friday morning, nearly 4 million homes and businesses in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina were without power, according to poweroutage.us.

In Florida, one individual was killed by a fallen sign, while two fatalities in Georgia were attributed to a possible tornado. Trees falling on homes in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Anderson County, South Carolina, also contributed to the death toll.

The hurricane made landfall near the Aucilla River, close to where Hurricane Idalia struck last year. As the storm passed through Valdosta, many residents sought shelter, huddled together in darkened hotel lobbies as the storm raged outside.

Despite the destruction, Fermin Herrera, a 20-year-old resident, remained hopeful. After leaving their hotel room on the top floor due to fears of falling trees, he reflected on the resilience that storms like Helene foster in communities.

As Helene continued to move inland, it weakened to a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds decreasing to 70 mph (110 kph). By 5 a.m., it was reported to be near Macon, Georgia, moving north at 30 mph (48 kph). Forecasters warned that the storm could produce mudslides and flash flooding as it passed through Tennessee and Kentucky.

Before landfall, sustained tropical storm-force winds and hurricane-force gusts were felt along Florida’s west coast, prompting officials to urge residents to evacuate. The Taylor County sheriff's office even recommended that those who remained write identifying information on their bodies in case of an emergency.

In North Carolina, heavy rainfall resulted in up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of accumulation, with forecasters predicting an additional 14 inches (36 centimeters) could cause unprecedented flooding in some areas. Several roads were closed, and evacuations were underway.

Helene had also impacted Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula before reaching the U.S., flooding streets and causing damage in Cancun. As the storm continues to develop, officials remain vigilant, with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp describing Helene as "one of the biggest storms we've ever had."

Helene is the eighth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which has been marked by an expectation of increased activity due to record-warm ocean temperatures.