Six states have declared states of emergency as Hurricane Helene continues its destructive path through the Southeast, having initially made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm. Though it has since weakened to a Category 1 hurricane, Helene’s torrential rains and fierce winds are causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and communities.

Millions of residents in affected areas are bracing for continued storms, as watches and warnings are in place for over 60 million people spanning 12 states. Emergency declarations have been issued across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia to ensure rapid response efforts.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that 61 out of 67 counties are under emergency status, urging residents to take safety precautions. Georgia has also declared a state of emergency across all 159 counties, allowing emergency teams to prepare for Helene’s imminent arrival.

North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper warned of the storm’s potential to cause catastrophic flooding as it moves inland, while South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster expressed concerns over isolated tornadoes and high winds, even though the state might escape the worst of the storm.

Alabama’s response escalated when President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration, ordering federal assistance to bolster the state’s preparedness and recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin cautioned residents to stay vigilant, especially in the southwestern part of the state, which could experience severe flooding due to Helene’s outer bands.

As Hurricane Helene advances, the Southeast remains on high alert, with both state and federal resources mobilized to mitigate the storm’s impact. Residents are urged to stay informed and heed evacuation orders as safety remains the top priority in the face of this powerful hurricane.