At least 33 people were killed and millions of US homes left without power as Hurricane Helene swept through the southeastern United States, causing massive flooding .

High winds and heavy rain caused flash flooding and downed trees in several areas from Tallahassee in Florida to Charlotte in North Carolina, with sea levels rising by up to 4.5 metres in some coastal areas.

According to local authorities, the death toll was 14 in South Carolina, 11 in Georgia, seven in Florida and one in North Carolina.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in north-west Florida on Thursday evening, having reached Category 4 status, making it the strongest hurricane to hit the region.