Eleven Deaths Related to Hurricane Helene Reported in Richmond, McDuffie and Aiken Counties

Eleven deaths have been linked to the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene as it moved through the CSRA this morning.

Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables said he could confirm 4 deaths as a result of the storm, while 4 deaths were reported in the early morning hours in McDuffie, and another 3 in Richmond County. At least some of the deaths have been blamed on falling trees.

During a news conference today, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said one of the fatalities in the state was a first responder, while several people are still reported to be trapped in Valdosta.

Kemp said Augusta, Savannah and Valdosta were the areas hardest hit by the storm in Georgia.

As of 11 am today, more than 1 million of Georgia Power's 2.7 million customers were without power, with South Carolina also reporting more than 1 million residents in the dark.

Hurricane force wind gusts of more than 80 miles per hour were recorded at Bush Field in Augusta this morning, leading to trees and power lines falling on homes, roads and vehicles.

Kemp said more than 10,000 Georgia Power crews are working to restore power around the state.

"We've got a lot of critical facilities, like hospitals and nursing homes, that are without power," Kemp said. "We've got people trapped in homes that we're trying to get to. It's a very dangerous environment."

Officials in the CSRA are asking everyone to stay home and avoid non-essential travel while crews are out trying to assess damage and work on restoration.

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