SUMMARY: The Tennessee Department of Transportation warns of “hundreds of millions in damage” and extended closures in the eastern state following Hurricane Helene. Three bridges over the Nolichucky River and two on I-26 are destroyed. Crews have worked tirelessly, inspecting 310 state-owned bridges in six counties. Governor Bill Lee, who declared a statewide emergency after the storm, described the damage as “horrific.” He is awaiting a major disaster declaration from President Biden, who has already approved assistance for various Georgia counties affected by the storm. The storm caused significant damage in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, with some impact in South Carolina and Georgia.

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SUMMARY: Search and rescue operations continue following Hurricane Helen, with officials fearing the death toll may rise. Hundreds remain unaccounted for, particularly in North Carolina where many roads are still blocked. However, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has announced that emergency traffic is now allowed on I-40 at Old Fort, about an hour from Asheville. President Biden will visit North Carolina tomorrow for a briefing at the state Emergency Operations Center and plans to later travel to Georgia and Florida. As of the latest update, the death toll from Hurricane Helen stands at 13, with 56 victims from North Carolina.

Section of I-40 reopens to emergency traffic.

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SUMMARY: David Jones demonstrated incredible determination by walking 27 miles through a hurricane to attend his daughter Elizabeth’s wedding in South Carolina. Facing a two-hour drive that turned treacherous due to a destroyed bridge and rushing waters, the marathon runner refused to give up. After getting stuck in Irwin around 2 a.m., he realized he had to continue on foot. Driven by a father’s love and commitment, he set off, believing he could cover the distance despite the challenging conditions. His story exemplifies the lengths a father will go to be there for his daughter on her special day.

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