Helene’s death toll now over 125 as North Carolina towns remain cut off after catastrophic flooding

BOONE, N.C. – Crews are continuing their work to clear debris, restore power and get supplies into North Carolina communities that remain isolated due to the destruction caused after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida last week, leaving more than 125 people dead in several states across the Southeast.The Category 4 hurricane made landfall along Florida’s Big Bend region late Thursday night, with winds of 140 mph and a devastating storm surge. As the storm traveled across the U.S., Helene left behind widespread destruction from the Sunshine State through Georgia into the Carolinas and Tennessee Valley.At least 128 people have been confirmed dead across six states – Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.President Joe Biden plans to land in Raleigh on Wednesday before visiting Asheville to see the devastation. He will also travel to Florida and Georgia.HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHERMillions of people were plunged into darkness as the hurricane brought down trees and utility lines and destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure. On Monday, power outages reported in the states hardest-hit by Helene dropped below 2 million for the first time since the storm slammed the region last week.While power is slowly being restored, first responders and residents are facing many obstacles as recovery operations after the disaster continue.On Monday, the National Weather Service was concerned about the threat of additional landslides in portions of western North Carolina as rain showers could produce more runoff that might result in the failure of unstable slopes in the mountainous terrain.DOWNLOAD THE FREE FOX WEATHER APPCommunities in western North Carolina were hit especially hard by the effects of Hurricane Helene, with catastrophic flooding destroying hundreds of roads and bridges. Access to several areas has been cut off, preventing crews from getting much-needed supplies like food, water and fuel to residents.Dozens of people are now confirmed dead in North Carolina, and hundreds of people remain unaccounted for due to the lack of power and communication access.However, at a news conference Monday morning, Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said the City of Asheville is partnering with Verizon to get a mobile cell tower in the area.”This tower will offer the opportunity for limited cellular reception within several blocks of the city where it is parked,” she said.North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said people are “desperate for help,” and the state is working to deploy all available resources. “Many people are cut off because roads are impassible,” he added. “They don’t have power or communications. Please know that we are sending resources and coordinating closely with local governments, first responders, state and federal partners, and volunteer organizations to help those impacted by this tragic storm.”VIDEO SHOWS CHIMNEY ROCK COMPLETELY DESTROYED AS HELENE UNLEASHES CATASTROPHIC FLOODING ACROSS NORTH CAROLINAThe torrential rain that fell during the storm led to dozens of rare Flash Flood Emergencies, and officials were pleading with people to get to higher ground as the water quickly rose and flowed into communities.”This unprecedented storm dropped 10 to 29 inches of rain across the mountains, causing life-threatening floods and landslides,” Cooper said.President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for North Carolina over the weekend, and more than 800 Federal Emergency Management Agency staff, along with distribution centers and equipment, have been deployed across the states that were impacted by Helene.While crews are continuing to clean up after the storm, the shortage of food, water and fuel is leading to long lines at gas stations as tensions start to run high.DRONE VIDEO OF HISTORIC BILTMORE VILLAGE UNDERWATER AFTER FLOODING IN NORTH CAROLINALocal media reported arguments breaking out in the long lines among residents who were no doubt exhausted and running out of options while desperately seeking help.When asked about the delay in supplies and the situation unfolding in Buncombe County, Miller said the supplies were delayed because of the destroyed roads and the Sheriff’s Office was considering posting deputies at gas stations to help prevent more arguments among residents.While crews are trying to repair those roads, helicopters have been able to start dropping supplies to those who remain isolated until routes can be reopened.”There are helicopters that are very active. We saw those when we came in last night,” FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray said. “And yet, there are still people in dire straits in need. It’s a situation right now that is still very, very complicated and fluid.”At least 40 people have been killed due to the effects of Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County, which is home to the city of Asheville.While repairs to roads and other infrastructure continue, Pinder said distribution of food and water would begin later Monday afternoon.”A one-day supply of food and water will be available to households,” she said.While the distribution sites are designed for people to drive through and pick up food and water, those who walk up to the sites will also be given supplies.The sites will remain open for as long as the supply lasts.Pinder also said that the county is aware that not everyone can get to the distribution sites, and plans are being developed for mobile distribution.At the White House on Monday, Pres. Biden said he has spoken with the leaders of several states about the devastation and will be traveling to the impacted areas as soon as possible.”Communities are devastated,” he said. “Loved ones are waiting, not knowing if they’re OK because they can’t contact them because there’s no cellphone connections.”Biden said he wants people who have been impacted by Helene to know that his Administration would continue to help “until the job is done.””I’m committed to traveling to the impacted areas as soon as possible,” he said. “But I’ve been told it would be disruptive if I did it right now. We will not do that at the risk of diverting or delaying any of the response assets needed to deal with this crisis.”Biden also said that FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is in North Carolina, and would remain in Asheville “for the foreseeable future.”The storm surge caused by Hurricane Helene led to catastrophic damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast, with the Big Bend region seeing the highest inundation, which exceeded 15 feet. Cities such as Tampa and Clearwater Beach saw their highest storm surge level in decades.The small barrier island of Treasure Island was particularly devastated, with widespread flooding and property damage. Four people died on the barrier island because of Helene’s impacts, according to Treasure Island police.‘DANGEROUS RESCUE OPERATION’ SAVES DOZENS TRAPPED ON ROOF OF FLOODED TENNESSEE HOSPITALResidents of Florida’s Keaton Beach also experienced Helene’s effects, and they are still picking up the pieces.”Seen a lot of bad storms on this river and seen people recover from a lot,” Steven Hatchett told FOX Weather’s Robert Ray. “But I’ve never seen anything this magnitude – not even the (1993) Storm of the Century or any of the hurricanes.”Hatchett said buildings that had been there his whole life were gone.