UPDATE: Consider watching the latest pieces from PBS News Hour:

Hurricane Helene’s reach shows why no place is immune from impacts of climate change or

Asheville [North Carolina] mayor on what North Carolina needs as flooding recovery process begins.

SUMMARY (Sept. 30)

The devastating toll from Hurricane Helene keeps growing. At least 121 people have died in six states and officials fear that number could grow much larger. Many remain missing and unaccounted for since phone lines and cell towers have been down for days. Some places in Florida are trying to recover from their third big hit in less than two years.

You may also want to read this AP story, "Crisis unfolds in the Southeast as Helene’s death toll climbs to more than 100."

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who are the individuals featured in this story?
2. What are some of the thoughts shared by residents who were affected by Hurricane Helene regarding moving from their homes or where stores should be located going forward?
3. Where did Hurricane Helene hit? Where is Big Bend?
4. When did Hurricane Helene hit?
5. Why have recent hurricanes in the Big Bend been so severe?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

1. How are commmunities affected by extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene?
2. Do you think the public needs to take the role climate change plays in the role of extreme weather events more seriously? Explain.

Media literacy: Who else would you like to hear from in this story?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do:

Learn more about the effects of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina:

Choose one of the following stories to explore the role of climate change in severe weather events:

World set for week of wild weather as human-caused climate change makes extremes more likely

Climate change made heat wave in U.S., Mexico, warmer and more likely

How Americans affected by extreme weather events feel about the future

Why carbon monoxide poisoning is on the rise as extreme weather causes more power outages

Millions face record-breaking temperatures amid dangerous heat wave

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