Helene broke century-old flood records across Southeast

By Jennifer Yachnin | 10/04/2024 04:14 PM EDT

Initial USGS data shows the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina, broke a nearly 100-year-old flood record last week.

Train tracks washed out during Hurricane Helene run along the French Broad River.

Train tracks washed out during Hurricane Helene run along the French Broad River on Tuesday in Marshall, North Carolina. Jeff Roberson/AP

Intense rains generated by Hurricane Helene set at least 34 flood records across five Southeastern states, according to new data from the U.S. Geological Survey.

The storm swelled rivers and unleashed torrents of water from Florida to North Carolina, causing at least 215 deaths, with more expected as search-and-rescue operations continue.

Initial data from USGS streamgages — tools that measure the flow of water in rivers and their tributaries — show the French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina, broke a nearly 100-year-old flood record last week.

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Flows from that river reached 24.67 feet Sept. 27, exceeding the previous 23.1-foot record set in July 1916.

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