Multiple flash flood emergencies have been issued across Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina amid extreme rainfall from Helene, including in downtown Atlanta. Over 5 inches of rain have fallen in the city over the past 12 hours, and over 11 inches has fallen since Tuesday. The National Weather Service warned this is a "particularly dangerous situation" and people in the city should seek higher ground.

The heaviest rain from Helene is currently falling over South Carolina and North Carolina, with some towns almost completely underwater. In Hendersonville, North Carolina, located about 90 miles west of Charlotte, one of the main roads looked more like a lake due to the extreme rainfall. Experts strongly advise people to avoid floodwaters, as you cannot see what lies beneath the surface, and the water may contain sewage and drainage system overflow.