BOONE, NC – Recovery operations are underway in the Southeast as communities across the region grapple with the catastrophic destruction of Hurricane Helene, which has killed at least 60 people, flooded entire neighborhoods and left millions without power.

The Category 4 hurricane made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida late Thursday evening with winds of 140 miles per hour that left widespread destruction across the region, while hundreds of people had to be rescued from the flooding and damaged property caused by the relentless wind and precipitation from the storm.

DEATH TOLL RISE AS HELENE SHOWS CATASTROPHIC FLOODING IN THE SOUTH-EAST, KILLING MILLIONS OFF

As of Sunday, power outages remain in several states, affecting nearly 2.5 million customers — a big improvement from the storm’s peak, when 4.7 million people were without power.

And as communities across the region continue their recovery efforts, Pres. Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Florida and North Carolina, freeing up federal money to help the countless people affected by the disaster.

EXCLUSIVE STORM TRACKER FROM FOX WEATHER STORY HELENE

In this aerial view, electrical crews work on the lines after Hurricane Helene passed offshore in Crystal River, Florida, on September 27, 2024.

(Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Devastating storm surge, wind gusts of nearly 100 mph hit Florida

Helene’s storm surge caused catastrophic damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast, where more than 200,000 utilities were without power on Sunday. The Big Bend region saw highs of more than 15 feet, while Clearwater Beach and Tampa saw their highest levels in decades.

BOATS SEEN AGAINST HOUSES ON TREASURE ISLAND AFTER HELENE’S SURGE DESTROYS FLORIDA COAST

The small barrier island of Treasure Island was particularly devastated, with widespread flooding and property damage.

Wind gusts measured up to 99 mph in Perry, Florida when Helene made landfall.

After landfall, the storm moved quickly through Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee, uprooting trees, splintering homes and overwhelming rivers and dams.

A catastrophic flooding threat was narrowly avoided Saturday along the Nolichucky River in East Tennessee, as the remnants of Helene caused severe flooding. rainfallpushing the river to the brink of a critical emergency.

The National Weather Service (NWS) declared a dire Flash Flood Emergency late Friday as Nolichucky Dam overflowed Greeneville It was feared to be teetering on the brink of collapse, posing an imminent threat to communities downstream. However, the dam survived the attack and the water, although still a few meters above the record flood level, is beginning to recede.

WATCH: TENNESSEE DAM AVOIDS NARROLY FAILURE AFTER HEAVY RAIN FROM HELENE

This comes after a record 28 Flash Flood emergencies were issued across the Southeast, including Georgia, western North Carolina, parts of South Carolina and Virginia. Friday saw the most Flash Flood Emergencies nationally in one day.

Even as the storm weakened into a post-tropical cyclone, its devastating effects continued to be felt.

INTERSTATE 40 PARTIAL FALLS AFTER CATASTROPHIC RAIN IN NORTH CAROLINA

Dozens of water rescues as record flooding ravages western North Carolina and Atlanta

In North Carolina, the storm’s torrential rains caused catastrophic flooding, especially in the Asheville region. At least 50 water rescues were reported, and tragically 19 lives were lost. The flooding was so severe that parts of the state remained underwater for days after the storm passed.

A group of friends in Boone canoed the flooded South Fork New River for 32 minutes and ended up on a washed-out road Friday.

“We saw trailers floating by and cars falling over,” said one of the friends.

Friends talk after canoeing the flooded South Fork New River for 32 minutes and landing on a washed-out road on September 27, 2024 in Boone, North Carolina.

(Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

Atlanta experienced its first-ever Flash Flood Emergency, breaking a 138-year-old rainfall record with 11.18 inches in two days. This caused serious flooding, inundating entire neighborhoods.

Rescue crews worked tirelessly to rescue stranded individuals, including a woman who was rescued by FOX Weather Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen. When he heard her screams for help as she reported nearby, Van Dillen immediately took action to save her from the rising waters.

Helene, now post-tropical, will continue to bring the threat of flood rains as the system meanders through the east, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

About 2 to 4 inches of additional rain will likely fall from West Tennessee into Ohio. Additional rain is expected in the northern Appalachians. The lingering effects of Helene should finally leave the Northeast late Tuesday into Wednesday.