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Helene latest: Live updates from Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas

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Helene latest: Live updates from Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas


Hurricane Helene weakened to a tropical storm over Georgia Friday morning after making landfall in northwest Florida as a Category 4 storm with a “nightmare” storm surge. 

The tropical storm was centered 80 miles east-northeast of Atlanta by Friday morning, moving north at 30 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. 

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At least five deaths have been reported in four states as floodwaters trapped people and left more than 3 million customers without power across the southeastern U.S.

Waves from the Gulf of Mexico crash on shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024 in St. Pete Beach, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

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Catastrophic flooding remains a big threat for the region. Areas from northern Georgia into the southern Appalachians are expected to get the worst of it Friday. Flash flood warnings were also issued in parts of Tennessee. 

Helene impacts in Georgia

Helene caused at least three deaths in Georgia and prompted the first-ever Flash Flood Emergency for downtown Atlanta, FOX Weather reports. 

At least two people were killed in Wheeler County, Georgia, after a mobile home was damaged during a tornado. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, a third death in Georgia is also being investigated after reports of a vehicle that crashed into a tree in Colquitt County.

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More flooding is expected in northern Georgia Friday. 

Hurricane Helene landfall

Hurricane Helene made landfall at 11:10 p.m. Eastern time Thursday night about 10 miles west-southwest of Perry, Florida. That’s in the state’s sparsely populated Big Bend region, about 20 miles northwest of where Hurricane Idalia came ashore last year at nearly the same ferocity and caused widespread damage. 

Helene struck as a Category 4 with sustained winds of 140 mph. 

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Flooding along Florida’s coast began well before Hurricane Helene made landfall, with rapidly rising waters reported from as far south as Fort Myers on the state’s Gulf Coast.

Evacuation orders remained in effect Friday morning across parts of several Florida counties due to storm surge and flooding.

Hurricane Helene in Tampa, St. Petersburg

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At least one person was killed in the Tampa, Florida, area after a crash on Interstate 4 that involved a highway sign on top of a vehicle.

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Tidal gauges in the Tampa Bay area reached record high levels as Helene came ashore. 

Hundreds of people were rescued from floodwaters in coastal areas of Tampa Bay, FOX 13 in Tampa reports. 

Residents of nearby St. Petersburg said they’ve never seen flooding like this. 

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Helene hits North Carolina

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Evacuations were underway Friday morning in areas of Western North Carolina. The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office west of Asheville said it was helping with evacuations in in Cruso, Clyde, Canton and lower-lying parts of Waynesville.

At least one death has been reported. In Charlotte, North Carolina, firefighters say a tree fell onto a home, trapping two people inside. One of the victims was taken to a local hospital, and the second victim was found dead inside the home.

At least seven Flash Flood Emergencies were also issued in western North Carolina from Asheville to the Charlotte area.

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Helene in South Carolina

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One death has been reported in the storm so far in South Carolina. A tree fell on a house Friday morning in Anderson, the Anderson County Coroner’s Office said.

Other storms to watch

Meanwhile, Hurricane John weakened again into a tropical storm Thursday evening after strengthening back to a Category 1 hurricane earlier the same day. The so-called “zombie storm,” a storm that weakens and then strengthens again after returning to warm waters, brought flooding and landslides to Mexico’s southwest coast. 

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Forecasters said Tropical Storm Isaac strengthened on Friday into a hurricane in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean and could cause dangerous waves in parts of Bermuda.



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Georgia man charged with trafficking 17-year-old girl for sex in McDuffie County, AG says

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Georgia man charged with trafficking 17-year-old girl for sex in McDuffie County, AG says


A McDuffie County man is facing multiple felony charges after Georgia authorities say he trafficked and sexually exploited a 17-year-old girl.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced Monday that Jimmy Mance, 40, of Thomson, has been charged with trafficking a minor for sexual servitude and sexual exploitation of a child. 

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the case stems from allegations that the teenager was sold for sex, with the victim later recovered in December 2025. 

“This is yet another step in our ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in every corner of this state,” Carr said in a statement. “If you buy or sell a child for sex, we will find you, arrest you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” 

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Charges filed

Authorities say Mance is facing several charges, including:

  • Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (harboring a minor)
  • Trafficking of persons for sexual servitude (providing a minor)
  • Two counts of sexual exploitation of a child involving explicit material

Warrants were taken out on April 13 by the Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. 

Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation and arrest, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, McDuffie County Sheriff’s Office, Thomson Police Department, and sheriff’s offices in Columbia and Bibb counties. 

Statewide crackdown on trafficking

The case highlights Georgia’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly involving minors.

The Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit — created in 2019 — has secured more than 70 convictions and helped rescue or assist over 200 children, according to state officials. 

Carr expanded the unit last year to include additional prosecutors and investigators serving Augusta and surrounding counties, part of a broader push to target trafficking networks statewide. 

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Officials say the unit works alongside local and state law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases involving sexual exploitation and forced labor.

What happens next

Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations, and Mance is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. 

The case remains under investigation.



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NY Giants draft news: Exciting Georgia State wide receiver taking ‘30’ visit

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NY Giants draft news: Exciting Georgia State wide receiver taking ‘30’ visit


Hurst’s development could go in two distinct directions. If he emphasizes precision, refines his routes, and adds a little muscle to his frame, Hurst could become an aspiring A.J. Green – a big-play primary receiver who can defeat press-man coverage and run the full route tree.

If Hurst bulks up further and his route tree is limited, he could become a big-play possession option like Tee Higgins who isn’t asked to run as full of a route tree and wins with his size at the boundary.

There’s reason for optimism that Hurst will become a weekly contributor in the league. It’s probably a stretch to believe Hurst will become a top-end primary receiver, but others with his athletic gifts have done it before.

Hurst has a medium-high floor with a high ceiling. That’s worth the investment.

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2026 Masters: How Georgia golfers fared at Augusta National

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2026 Masters: How Georgia golfers fared at Augusta National


AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 12: Russell Henley of the United States plays his shot from the 12th tee during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Get

While Rory McIlroy took home the green jacket, local favorites and former University of Georgia standouts made a major impact at Augusta National this year.

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2026 Masters: Rory McIlroy survives late drama to win second green jacket

What we know:

Russell Henley delivered the best performance among the former Georgia Bulldogs in the field. 

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The Macon native surged into contention during the final round, finishing in a tie for third place at 10-under par. He ended the tournament just two strokes behind McIlroy.

By the numbers:

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Several other players with local ties finished under par for the tournament:

  • Patrick Reed: The Augusta University alum finished in 12th place at 5-under par after a final-round 73.
  • Harris English: The former Bulldog kept a steady pace to finish tied for 30th at 1-under par.
  • Brian Harman: The 2023 Open winner finished tied for 33rd at even par.
  • Sepp Straka: The UGA alum finished at 2-over par in a tie for 41st place.

Dig deeper:

Not every local star saw the weekend. Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson missed the cut after finishing 5-over par on Friday. 

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Joining him on the sidelines was 18-year-old Mason Howell, a future Georgia Bulldog who was the youngest player in the 2026 field. Howell finished at 9-over par.

Local perspective:

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The strong showing by Henley and other University of Georgia alumni provided plenty of highlights for local fans. 

With multiple players finishing in the top 40, the “Bulldog pro” presence remains a dominant storyline at Augusta National.

The Source: Information in this article comes from Augusta National tournament scoring records.

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