Dozens of people died as a result of catastrophic flooding, tornado damage, downed trees and other impacts of the destructive storm. Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm in Florida’s Big Bend, but prompted flash flood emergencies stretching into Appalachia.

The death toll from Helene climbed as emergency responders rushed to rescue residents in small mountain towns that have been cut off from communication.

Some residents in North Carolina searched in anguish for missing relatives, fearing the worst. Others grappled with the next steps.