Atlanta avoided the worst winds by being on the storm's less intense left side.

Helene is now a tropical storm as it sweeps across Georgia. Metro Atlanta is contending with dangerous flooding and the ongoing threat of powerful wind gusts. Right now: Nearly 34,000 Georgia Power customers in the Atlanta area were without power as of 6am Friday morning.

By The Associated Press Hurricane Helene weakened into a tropical storm over Georgia early Friday after making landfall overnight in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm. Authorities rescued

Hurricane Helene isn’t only expected to damage homes and vehicles; it has already resulted in at least 15 deaths and one injury, with more fatalities and injuries anticipated.

At least 22 deaths have been reported and millions are without power in six states as Helene makes its way inland.

Storm surges, floods and powerful winds close roads, damage buildings and threaten dams in several states. At least 25 people were killed.