How Helene became the near-perfect storm to bring widespread destruction across the South -- AP

North Carolina in the United States

Terry Spencer -- AP

Sept. 29, 2024, 10:12 AM EDT

Hurricane Helene killed and destroyed far and wide -- from Tampa to Atlanta to Asheville, North Carolina, its high winds, heavy rains and sheer size created a perfect mix for devastation.

The storm made landfall late Thursday along a largely undeveloped expanse of pine trees and salt marshes on Florida’s Big Bend coast, but it immediately displayed its far-reaching power several hundred miles away.

As of Sunday morning, at least 64 people were confirmed killed.

Tampa Bay was inundated with a massive storm surge that sent water up to people’s attics.

Atlanta got more than 11 inches of rain, more than any 48-hour period in recorded history.

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READ MORE: Associated Press