United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently shared that he and SpaceX founder Elon Musk connected over a call regarding the X owner's complaints about government interference in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Musk had publicly claimed that the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) was blocking flights into areas affected by the hurricane in North Carolina, where his Starlink satellite system was being deployed to help restore internet connectivity.&nbsp;

Following these claims, Buttigieg invited Musk to speak directly with him to clarify the situation.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:145,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1835}">Musk-Buttigieg connect&nbsp;</h2>

In an interview on MSNBC's Inside with Jen Psaki, Buttigieg explained that the FAA was not closing down any airspace as alleged. Instead, "there was an issue with pilots who were helping get Starlink equipment to where it needed to be, having the right information".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/milton-strengthens-into-hurricane-florida-braces-for-impact-765047">Milton strengthens into hurricane, Florida braces for impact</a>

Buttigieg said that after working with local authorities, they "were able to take care of it".

"He (Musk) took me up on that. He called. We had a conversation. What we found out was actually happening was the FAA was not closing down any airspace," said the Transport secretary.

After their conversation, Musk expressed his appreciation on X (formerly Twitter), thanking Buttigieg for helping to expedite the support flights.&nbsp;

"Just wanted to note that Sec Buttigieg is on the ball," wrote Musk.

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Thanks for expediting approval for support flights. 
 
Just wanted to note that Sec Buttigieg is on the ball.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:471,&quot;y&quot;:514,&quot;w&quot;:93,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:504,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2204}" href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1842350122899739050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Initially, Musk had shared a screenshot suggesting that the government was "about to shut down the Air space to 'regulate' the private choppers we are riding in to deliver Starlink and supplies". However, after speaking with Buttigieg, Musk clarified that the situation had been resolved.

Buttigieg also elaborated on how the FAA uses temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in disaster zones to ensure safety during rescue operations.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-ai-generated-deepfakes-of-hurricane-helene-victims-go-viral-764918">Heartbreaking images or something else? AI-generated deepfakes of Hurricane Helene victims go viral</a>

"Basically what happens is if you have a disaster area, there’s a lot of rescue operations going on. A local airport or fire department or the Coast Guard flying helicopter — somebody like that can request what’s called a TFR".

He stressed that such measures do not shut down airspace, but rather increase coordination to prevent potential collisions during recovery efforts.

"It doesn't shut down the airspace, but it increases the level of coordination that goes on because you want to make sure that that airspace is safe and that you prevent the risk of collisions," he explained.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently shared that he and SpaceX founder Elon Musk connected over a call regarding the X owner's complaints about government interference in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

United States Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently shared that he and SpaceX founder Elon Musk connected over a call regarding the X owner's complaints about government interference in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Musk had publicly claimed that the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) was blocking flights into areas affected by the hurricane in North Carolina, where his Starlink satellite system was being deployed to help restore internet connectivity. Following these claims, Buttigieg invited Musk to speak directly with him to clarify the situation. Musk-Buttigieg connect In an interview on MSNBC's Inside with Jen Psaki, Buttigieg explained that the FAA was not closing down any airspace as alleged. Instead, "there was an issue with pilots who were helping get Starlink equipment to where it needed to be, having the right information". Also read | Milton strengthens into hurricane, Florida braces for impact Buttigieg said that after working with local authorities, they "were able to take care of it". "He (Musk) took me up on that. He called. We had a conversation. What we found out was actually happening was the FAA was not closing down any airspace," said the Transport secretary. After their conversation, Musk expressed his appreciation on X (formerly Twitter), thanking Buttigieg for helping to expedite the support flights. "Just wanted to note that Sec Buttigieg is on the ball," wrote Musk. Thanks for expediting approval for support flights. Just wanted to note that Sec Buttigieg is on the ball. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 4, 2024 × Initially, Musk had shared a screenshot suggesting that the government was "about to shut down the Air space to 'regulate' the private choppers we are riding in to deliver Starlink and supplies". However, after speaking with Buttigieg, Musk clarified that the situation had been resolved. Buttigieg also elaborated on how the FAA uses temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in disaster zones to ensure safety during rescue operations. Also read | Heartbreaking images or something else? AI-generated deepfakes of Hurricane Helene victims go viral "Basically what happens is if you have a disaster area, there’s a lot of rescue operations going on. A local airport or fire department or the Coast Guard flying helicopter — somebody like that can request what’s called a TFR". He stressed that such measures do not shut down airspace, but rather increase coordination to prevent potential collisions during recovery efforts. "It doesn't shut down the airspace, but it increases the level of coordination that goes on because you want to make sure that that airspace is safe and that you prevent the risk of collisions," he explained. (With inputs from agencies)

US transport secretary Pete Buttigieg talks to Elon Musk, clarifies FAA stance in Hurricane Helene aftermath

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday witnessed Hurricane Helene's catastrophic destruction firsthand and Vice President Kamala Harris distributed aid to needy families, as thousands of federal responders joined all-out efforts to rescue residents and care for millions in the disaster.

Biden flew into the Carolinas and his deputy headed to Georgia after Harris's election rival Donald Trump sought to turn their handling of the disaster -- which has left at least 162 people dead in six states -- into campaign fodder.

Biden arrived in South Carolina and was briefed on the sprawling rescue and recovery effort -- an operation featuring more than 10,000 federal officials, emergency responders and National Guard across the US southeast.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:179,&quot;w&quot;:576,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2020}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-155-dead-from-hurricane-helene-biden-and-harris-to-visit-hard-hit-states-763741">At least 155 dead from Hurricane Helene; Biden and Harris to visit hard-hit states</a>

He then flew by helicopter over the flood-hit city of Asheville, North Carolina, where staggering destruction was visible from the air, including collapsed bridges, lakes filled with debris, buildings demolished and roads washed away.

"What I saw was heartbreaking," Biden said on X.

"But back on the ground, we're witnessing neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers and workers standing side-by-side, people leaning on each other. That's America."

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, travelling with the president, described Helene as a storm of "historic strength" that brought calamitous flooding to cities and remote mountain communities.

"We have towns that have disappeared, literally," he said. "This is a multi-billion-dollar, multi-year recovery."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:426,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2267}">Towns and villages cut off&nbsp;</h2>

Biden, who has approved major disaster declarations in several states, announced the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to North Carolina to help "speed up the delivery of life-saving supplies" including food, water, and medicine to isolated communities.

While getting briefed in the state, he spoke of Washington's obligation to provide help.

"In a moment like this we put politics aside," he said. "The nation has your back."

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:600,&quot;w&quot;:789,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2441}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/130-dead-from-hurricane-helene-biden-announced-his-visit-to-storm-hit-north-carolina-amid-trump-controversy-763423">130 dead from Hurricane Helene, Biden announced his visit to storm-hit North Carolina amid Trump controversy</a>

But he also warned how climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of extreme weather events.

"Nobody can deny the impact of the climate crisis anymore, at least I hope they don't," Biden said. "They must be brain-dead if they do."&nbsp;

Harris, who replaced Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee for the November 5 election, flew separately to the southern state of Georgia, which has also been badly hit.

She visited an emergency operations center in Augusta before surveying a neighborhood that suffered what she called "extraordinary" devastation.

Debris was scattered across the road and trees lay crashed onto homes near where the vice president comforted grieving residents.

Harris assured Georgians the federal government was coordinating with local authorities to "get folks the support and the relief that they so desperately need and so rightly deserve."

"We are here for the long haul," she said.

Harris also helped hand out styrofoam containers of food to impacted families at a shelter and received loud cheers when she departed.

North Carolina and Georgia are two of the seven crucial swing states likely to decide the result of the US election. Early voting has already begun in several states.

The White House announced Biden will travel Thursday to Florida, where Helene roared ashore last week as a Category 4 hurricane, and Georgia.

The storm's torrential rains have caused huge damage in the Appalachian mountains, with towns and villages cut off.

In east Tennessee, massive searches were underway near the Nolichucky River, where water flow spiked to record levels, leading to ferocious flooding.

"There are people still missing," Governor Bill Lee told a briefing. "We're in the middle of what is a remarkably difficult and tragic unfolding in east Tennessee."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1239,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3080}">'He's lying'</h2>

The Biden and Harris visits come a day after vice presidential candidates J.D. Vance and Tim Walz faced off in a TV debate, where they acknowledged common ground about the need for a robust storm response.

But Republican former president Trump earlier sought to make political capital out of the disaster, accusing Biden's administration, without evidence, of ignoring the crisis and denying help to Trump supporters.

Biden told reporters Monday that Trump was "lying" and termed his attacks "irresponsible."

The political storm over Helene comes as Biden and Harris endure a series of crises with barely a month until the knife-edge election.

As they coordinate the hurricane response, Biden and Harris are also contending with escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and a dockworkers' strike that threatens the country's economy.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday witnessed Hurricane Helene's catastrophic destruction firsthand and Vice President Kamala Harris distributed aid to needy families, as thousands of federal responders joined all-out efforts to rescue residents and care for millions in the disaster.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday witnessed Hurricane Helene's catastrophic destruction firsthand and Vice President Kamala Harris distributed aid to needy families, as thousands of federal responders joined all-out efforts to rescue residents and care for millions in the disaster. Biden flew into the Carolinas and his deputy headed to Georgia after Harris's election rival Donald Trump sought to turn their handling of the disaster -- which has left at least 162 people dead in six states -- into campaign fodder. Biden arrived in South Carolina and was briefed on the sprawling rescue and recovery effort -- an operation featuring more than 10,000 federal officials, emergency responders and National Guard across the US southeast. Also read | At least 155 dead from Hurricane Helene; Biden and Harris to visit hard-hit states He then flew by helicopter over the flood-hit city of Asheville, North Carolina, where staggering destruction was visible from the air, including collapsed bridges, lakes filled with debris, buildings demolished and roads washed away. "What I saw was heartbreaking," Biden said on X. "But back on the ground, we're witnessing neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers and workers standing side-by-side, people leaning on each other. That's America." Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, travelling with the president, described Helene as a storm of "historic strength" that brought calamitous flooding to cities and remote mountain communities. "We have towns that have disappeared, literally," he said. "This is a multi-billion-dollar, multi-year recovery." Towns and villages cut off Biden, who has approved major disaster declarations in several states, announced the deployment of up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to North Carolina to help "speed up the delivery of life-saving supplies" including food, water, and medicine to isolated communities. While getting briefed in the state, he spoke of Washington's obligation to provide help. "In a moment like this we put politics aside," he said. "The nation has your back." Also read | 130 dead from Hurricane Helene, Biden announced his visit to storm-hit North Carolina amid Trump controversy But he also warned how climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of extreme weather events. "Nobody can deny the impact of the climate crisis anymore, at least I hope they don't," Biden said. "They must be brain-dead if they do." Harris, who replaced Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee for the November 5 election, flew separately to the southern state of Georgia, which has also been badly hit. She visited an emergency operations center in Augusta before surveying a neighborhood that suffered what she called "extraordinary" devastation. Debris was scattered across the road and trees lay crashed onto homes near where the vice president comforted grieving residents. Harris assured Georgians the federal government was coordinating with local authorities to "get folks the support and the relief that they so desperately need and so rightly deserve." "We are here for the long haul," she said. Harris also helped hand out styrofoam containers of food to impacted families at a shelter and received loud cheers when she departed. North Carolina and Georgia are two of the seven crucial swing states likely to decide the result of the US election. Early voting has already begun in several states. The White House announced Biden will travel Thursday to Florida, where Helene roared ashore last week as a Category 4 hurricane, and Georgia. The storm's torrential rains have caused huge damage in the Appalachian mountains, with towns and villages cut off. In east Tennessee, massive searches were underway near the Nolichucky River, where water flow spiked to record levels, leading to ferocious flooding. "There are people still missing," Governor Bill Lee told a briefing. "We're in the middle of what is a remarkably difficult and tragic unfolding in east Tennessee." 'He's lying' The Biden and Harris visits come a day after vice presidential candidates J.D. Vance and Tim Walz faced off in a TV debate, where they acknowledged common ground about the need for a robust storm response. But Republican former president Trump earlier sought to make political capital out of the disaster, accusing Biden's administration, without evidence, of ignoring the crisis and denying help to Trump supporters. Biden told reporters Monday that Trump was "lying" and termed his attacks "irresponsible." The political storm over Helene comes as Biden and Harris endure a series of crises with barely a month until the knife-edge election. As they coordinate the hurricane response, Biden and Harris are also contending with escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and a dockworkers' strike that threatens the country's economy. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Biden and Harris lead relief efforts as hurricane Helene death toll rises to 162

The death toll from powerful storm Helene, which battered the southeastern United States, has climbed to at least 155, authorities said Tuesday, as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris prepared to survey the damage.

Biden will head to North Carolina and South Carolina on Wednesday, while Harris, who is campaigning to succeed her boss in the Oval Office, will visit Georgia.

North Carolina and Georgia are two of the hardest-hit states, but also two key battlegrounds in the November presidential election, in which Harris is vying to defeat Republican former president Donald Trump.

At least 74 have died in North Carolina, 36 in South Carolina, 25 in Georgia, 14 in Florida, four in Tennessee and two in Virginia, according to tallies from local authorities and media reports compiled by AFP.

Emergency workers laboured to restore power and water services across the region. Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for, though officials have expressed hope that some will be found once cell phone service is back up.

"We know that the devastation brought by hurricane Helene is beyond belief. Communities were wiped off the map," North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said at a briefing Tuesday, admitting that he believed the death toll in his state would yet rise.

"The challenges are immense," he added, offering details about power outages, blocked interstate highways, and airlifts of emergency aid to communities not reachable by road.

Buncombe county in western North Carolina, home to the tourist hotspot of Asheville, was by far the most devastated with 57 fatalities.&nbsp;

In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster shared the new toll of 36 confirmed deaths, but warned, "It's going up and there will likely be more."

More than 1.4 million households and businesses remained without power as of 2330 GMT Monday, according to tracker poweroutage.us.

<h2>'Unequivocally, yes'</h2>

Helene slammed into Florida's northern Gulf Coast as a huge Category Four hurricane late Thursday, with winds of 140 miles (225 kilometers) per hour.

Even as it weakened, it tore a path of destruction stretching inland more than 500 miles.

The storm became a political football when Trump headed to Georgia on Monday -- and accused the Biden-Harris administration of "not being responsive."&nbsp;

"The vice president, she's out someplace, campaigning, looking for money," he said.

Biden responded angrily, accusing Trump of spreading lies.

Scientists say climate change likely plays a role in the rapid intensification of hurricanes, because there is more energy in warmer oceans for them to feed on.

When asked if global warming was to blame for the trail of destruction left by the storm, Biden said Monday: "Absolutely, positively, unequivocally, yes, yes, yes, yes."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

The death toll from powerful storm Helene, which battered the southeastern United States, has climbed to at least 155, authorities said Tuesday, as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris prepared to survey the damage.

The death toll from powerful storm Helene, which battered the southeastern United States, has climbed to at least 155, authorities said Tuesday, as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris prepared to survey the damage. Biden will head to North Carolina and South Carolina on Wednesday, while Harris, who is campaigning to succeed her boss in the Oval Office, will visit Georgia. North Carolina and Georgia are two of the hardest-hit states, but also two key battlegrounds in the November presidential election, in which Harris is vying to defeat Republican former president Donald Trump. At least 74 have died in North Carolina, 36 in South Carolina, 25 in Georgia, 14 in Florida, four in Tennessee and two in Virginia, according to tallies from local authorities and media reports compiled by AFP. Emergency workers laboured to restore power and water services across the region. Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for, though officials have expressed hope that some will be found once cell phone service is back up. "We know that the devastation brought by hurricane Helene is beyond belief. Communities were wiped off the map," North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said at a briefing Tuesday, admitting that he believed the death toll in his state would yet rise. "The challenges are immense," he added, offering details about power outages, blocked interstate highways, and airlifts of emergency aid to communities not reachable by road. Buncombe county in western North Carolina, home to the tourist hotspot of Asheville, was by far the most devastated with 57 fatalities. In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster shared the new toll of 36 confirmed deaths, but warned, "It's going up and there will likely be more." More than 1.4 million households and businesses remained without power as of 2330 GMT Monday, according to tracker poweroutage.us. 'Unequivocally, yes' Helene slammed into Florida's northern Gulf Coast as a huge Category Four hurricane late Thursday, with winds of 140 miles (225 kilometers) per hour. Even as it weakened, it tore a path of destruction stretching inland more than 500 miles. The storm became a political football when Trump headed to Georgia on Monday -- and accused the Biden-Harris administration of "not being responsive." "The vice president, she's out someplace, campaigning, looking for money," he said. Biden responded angrily, accusing Trump of spreading lies. Scientists say climate change likely plays a role in the rapid intensification of hurricanes, because there is more energy in warmer oceans for them to feed on. When asked if global warming was to blame for the trail of destruction left by the storm, Biden said Monday: "Absolutely, positively, unequivocally, yes, yes, yes, yes." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

At least 155 dead from Hurricane Helene; Biden and Harris to visit hard-hit states

The "extremely dangerous"&nbsp;Hurricane&nbsp;Helene which landed in the US state of Florida on Thursday, causing&nbsp;life-threatening flooding in Atlanta and the Carolinas have taken lives of at least 22 people. Meanwhile, more than 3.5 million homes and businesses remained without power from Florida to the Carolinas and Virginia.

The "extremely dangerous"&nbsp;Hurricane&nbsp;Helene made landfall in the US state of Florida on Thursday, with officials warning of "unsurvivable" conditions and a potentially catastrophic storm surge high enough to swamp a two-story house.

Helene is now a tropical storm with winds of 70 mph as it crosses over central Georgia, according to&nbsp;the National Hurricane Center.&nbsp;

More than a million people were without power and roads were already flooded ahead of what is expected to be one of the largest Gulf of Mexico storms in decades.

Fast-moving Helene strengthened to an "extremely dangerous" Category 4&nbsp;hurricane&nbsp;Thursday, with the eye hitting near the town of Perry at approximately 11:10 pm local time (0310 GMT Friday), the US National&nbsp;Hurricane&nbsp;Center said.

It was packing winds of 140 miles (225 kilometres) per hour as it passed over the Gulf's warm waters and began hitting the Big Bend area south of Tallahassee.

"EVERYONE along the Florida Big Bend coast is at risk of potentially catastrophic storm surge," the NHC said on social media.

Tampa and Tallahassee airports have closed, with parts of St Petersburg, downtown Tampa, Sarasota, Treasure Island and other cities on Florida's west coast already flooded.

About 1,036,553 homes and businesses were without power, according to tracking site PowerOutage.us.

"We're expecting to see a storm surge inundation of 15 to 20 feet above ground level," NHC director Mike Brennan said. "That's up to the top of a second story building. Again, a really unsurvivable scenario is going to play out here in this portion of the Florida coastline."

The accompanying waves "can destroy houses, move cars, and that water level is going to rise very quickly," Brennan added.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden urged people to heed official evacuation warnings.

"I urge everyone in and near the path of Helene to listen to local officials and follow evacuation warnings," he said. "Take this seriously, and be safe."

<h2>'I'm stuck with them'</h2>

Authorities in Florida's Taylor County asked residents who did not act on mandatory evacuation warnings to write their names on their bodies with permanent marker, to aid in identification if they are killed.

In Alligator Point, a coastal town on a picturesque peninsula in the storm's path, David Wesolowski was taking no chances.

"I just came to button up a few things before it gets too windy," the 37-year-old real estate agent told AFP as he boarded up his house on stilts.

"If it stays on course, this is going to look different afterwards, that's for sure," he said.

Patrick Riickert refused to budge from his small wooden house in Crawfordville, a town of 5,000 people a few miles inland.

Most residents have bolted, but Riickert, his wife and five grandchildren were "not going anywhere," the 58-year-old insisted.&nbsp;

"I am going to hunker down" and ride out the&nbsp;hurricane, as he did in 2018 when deadly&nbsp;Hurricane&nbsp;Michael, a Category 5 mega storm, blew through the Florida panhandle.

At a gas station in Panacea, John Luper said he was reluctantly staying put because his mother and brother refused to flee to higher ground.

"They're not going to leave," he said, filling jerry cans with fuel. "I'm stuck with them"

The NHC warned of up to 20 inches (51 cm) of rain in some spots and potentially life-threatening flooding, as well as numerous landslides across the southern Appalachians.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service said the region could be hit extremely hard, with floods not seen in more than a century.

"This will be one of the most significant weather events to happen in the western portions of the area in the modern era," it warned.

Tornado&nbsp;warnings went out across northern Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.

More than 55 million Americans were under some form of weather alert or warning from&nbsp;Hurricane&nbsp;Helene.

<h2>'Multi-state event'</h2>

"This is going to be a multi-state event with the potential for significant impacts from Florida all the way to Tennessee," Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Deanne Criswell told reporters.

Vice President Kamala Harris said the White House was watching.

"The President and I, of course, are monitoring the case and the situation closely, and&nbsp;we urge everyone who is watching at this very moment to take this storm very seriously," she told reporters.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mobilised the National Guard and ordered thousands of personnel to ready for search-and-rescue operations.&nbsp;

He warned that the powerful storm would be dangerous and urged everyone to take precautions.

"We can't control how strong this&nbsp;hurricane&nbsp;is going to get. We can't control the track of the&nbsp;hurricane, but what you can control is what you can do to put yourself in the best chance to be able to ride this out in a way that's going to be safe," DeSantis said.

Helene could become the most powerful&nbsp;hurricane&nbsp;to hit the United States in over a year -- and almost certainly the biggest, at nearly 500 miles across.

Scientists say climate change likely plays a role in the rapid intensification of hurricanes, because there is more energy in warmer oceans for them to feed on.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

The "extremely dangerous" Hurricane Helene which landed in the US state of Florida on Thursday, causing life-threatening flooding in Atlanta and the Carolinas have taken lives of at least 22 people.

The "extremely dangerous" Hurricane Helene which landed in the US state of Florida on Thursday, causing life-threatening flooding in Atlanta and the Carolinas have taken lives of at least 22 people. Meanwhile, more than 3.5 million homes and businesses remained without power from Florida to the Carolinas and Virginia. The "extremely dangerous" Hurricane Helene made landfall in the US state of Florida on Thursday, with officials warning of "unsurvivable" conditions and a potentially catastrophic storm surge high enough to swamp a two-story house. Helene is now a tropical storm with winds of 70 mph as it crosses over central Georgia, according to the National Hurricane Center. More than a million people were without power and roads were already flooded ahead of what is expected to be one of the largest Gulf of Mexico storms in decades. Fast-moving Helene strengthened to an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane Thursday, with the eye hitting near the town of Perry at approximately 11:10 pm local time (0310 GMT Friday), the US National Hurricane Center said. It was packing winds of 140 miles (225 kilometres) per hour as it passed over the Gulf's warm waters and began hitting the Big Bend area south of Tallahassee. "EVERYONE along the Florida Big Bend coast is at risk of potentially catastrophic storm surge," the NHC said on social media. Tampa and Tallahassee airports have closed, with parts of St Petersburg, downtown Tampa, Sarasota, Treasure Island and other cities on Florida's west coast already flooded. About 1,036,553 homes and businesses were without power, according to tracking site PowerOutage.us. "We're expecting to see a storm surge inundation of 15 to 20 feet above ground level," NHC director Mike Brennan said. "That's up to the top of a second story building. Again, a really unsurvivable scenario is going to play out here in this portion of the Florida coastline." The accompanying waves "can destroy houses, move cars, and that water level is going to rise very quickly," Brennan added. US President Joe Biden urged people to heed official evacuation warnings. "I urge everyone in and near the path of Helene to listen to local officials and follow evacuation warnings," he said. "Take this seriously, and be safe." 'I'm stuck with them' Authorities in Florida's Taylor County asked residents who did not act on mandatory evacuation warnings to write their names on their bodies with permanent marker, to aid in identification if they are killed. In Alligator Point, a coastal town on a picturesque peninsula in the storm's path, David Wesolowski was taking no chances. "I just came to button up a few things before it gets too windy," the 37-year-old real estate agent told AFP as he boarded up his house on stilts. "If it stays on course, this is going to look different afterwards, that's for sure," he said. Patrick Riickert refused to budge from his small wooden house in Crawfordville, a town of 5,000 people a few miles inland. Most residents have bolted, but Riickert, his wife and five grandchildren were "not going anywhere," the 58-year-old insisted. "I am going to hunker down" and ride out the hurricane, as he did in 2018 when deadly Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 mega storm, blew through the Florida panhandle. At a gas station in Panacea, John Luper said he was reluctantly staying put because his mother and brother refused to flee to higher ground. "They're not going to leave," he said, filling jerry cans with fuel. "I'm stuck with them" The NHC warned of up to 20 inches (51 cm) of rain in some spots and potentially life-threatening flooding, as well as numerous landslides across the southern Appalachians. The National Weather Service said the region could be hit extremely hard, with floods not seen in more than a century. "This will be one of the most significant weather events to happen in the western portions of the area in the modern era," it warned. Tornado warnings went out across northern Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. More than 55 million Americans were under some form of weather alert or warning from Hurricane Helene. 'Multi-state event' "This is going to be a multi-state event with the potential for significant impacts from Florida all the way to Tennessee," Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Deanne Criswell told reporters. Vice President Kamala Harris said the White House was watching. "The President and I, of course, are monitoring the case and the situation closely, and we urge everyone who is watching at this very moment to take this storm very seriously," she told reporters. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mobilised the National Guard and ordered thousands of personnel to ready for search-and-rescue operations. He warned that the powerful storm would be dangerous and urged everyone to take precautions. "We can't control how strong this hurricane is going to get. We can't control the track of the hurricane, but what you can control is what you can do to put yourself in the best chance to be able to ride this out in a way that's going to be safe," DeSantis said. Helene could become the most powerful hurricane to hit the United States in over a year -- and almost certainly the biggest, at nearly 500 miles across. Scientists say climate change likely plays a role in the rapid intensification of hurricanes, because there is more energy in warmer oceans for them to feed on. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. 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US: Over 20 dead after Hurricane Helene hits Georgia, three million remain without power