Helene’s trail of destruction and record-breaking floods could rank among the costliest storms in U.S. history.

Hurricane Helene has killed more than 60 people and caused billions of dollars in damage in southeastern US states.

In South Carolina, at least 17 people were killed, according to CBS News, the BBC's US partner. Neighbouring North Carolina saw at least two fatalities in the storm, one due to a vehicle collision and another when a tree fell on a home in Charlotte, Governor Roy Cooper said.

Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region Thursday night as a massive Category 4 hurricane -- the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Big Bend on record.

Rescuers are still searching for survivors after heavy rain and wind from Hurricane Helene devastated south-eastern US, leaving more than 60 people dead, destroying homes and causing power outages for millions.

Hurricane Helene is one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the United States with wind gust speeds of 140 mph (225 km/h) and heavy rain. The storm made landfall in Florida overnight on Thursday as a category four hurricane but was downgraded to a tropical storm as it moved rapidly more inland.

In Valdosta, Georgia, search and rescue teams are trying to reach people trapped inside heavily damaged buildings, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said. "We are asking for patience as we prioritize critical medical emergencies and essential services,

The death toll from Hurricane Helene has reached at least 44. Helene has left an enormous path of destruction across Florida and the entire southeastern U.S. The Category 4 hurricane