Despite the highest water levels the Nolichucky Dam had ever experienced, it stood firm during Hurricane Helene and is "stable and secure."

Here's a look at Tennessee and North Carolina communities affected by the storm, as captured by USA TODAY Network photojournalists.

The authorities were evacuating people downstream from the Nolichucky Dam, warning that a breach could cause deadly flooding.

It's a new problem in an important election year. "We are confident that the challenges caused by the flooding will be overcome."

The damage Hurricane Helene left behind will be felt for weeks and months to come. One of the hardest hit areas is East Tennessee. Catastrophic flooding has swallowed buildings and damaged countless roads and bridges.

Midstate residents are raising money to support those affected by the remnants of Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee. The flooding has killed at least three people in our state, and nearly two hundred others are missing.