SUMMARY: Hurricane Helene caused significant flooding in the Tennessee Valley, but flood mitigation strategies reportedly prevented an estimated $406 million in damages, according to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The Tennessee River Watershed, which received two months’ worth of rainfall in just three days, saw record flood levels. Dams in Lenoir City and Chattanooga managed to prevent water from rising 21 to 23 feet higher. Communities credited TVA for saving lives through timely forecasting and support. The storm resulted in 230 fatalities across seven states and substantial economic losses, prompting a $100 million relief package for agriculture in Georgia.

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SUMMARY: On Election Day, warm and windy weather is expected, which typically favors voter turnout. Vanderbilt Professor Dr. John Geer notes that comfortable weather benefits voter participation, but historically, bad weather has favored Republicans by discouraging lower-income voters who usually lean Democratic. However, Geer suggests this trend may be changing due to shifts in working-class support toward the Republican Party. This year, the impact of weather on the election is likely minimal, as more than half of the electorate has already voted, reducing the significance of weather on voter turnout.

How do different types of weather impact the election?

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SUMMARY: Over a month after Hurricane Helen caused severe flooding in the Southeast, debris remains a major issue on Douglas Lake in East Tennessee. Marina owners, like Nate from Indian Creek, are tirelessly cleaning up their properties but need help from neighbors and local officials to ensure a viable boating season next year. The rapid drop in water levels after the storm has left behind substantial debris, raising concerns about safety and attracting visitors. TVA is coordinating with state officials for debris removal and encourages the community to assist in cleanups. Optimism is there, but collaboration is essential to prevent future flooding from debris.

It’s been more than a month since Hurricane Helene hit the southeast, unleashing devastating flooding throughout the southeast.

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