COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – Multiple deaths have been reported in South Carolina as Helene was downgraded to a tropical depression.

Gov. Henry McMaster announced in a media conference Friday that two firefighters died in a storm in Saluda County. Additionally, two additional deaths were reported in Newberry County, he said.

“We believe there will be more (deaths), but they have not been confirmed,” McMaster said. “We ask that you keep all of these families and friends in your prayers.”

A Facebook post from the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association said the two firefighters worked with the Circle Volunteer Fire Department.

According to Cpl. David Jones of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, two firefighters were near Batesburg-Leesville around 6:30 a.m. Friday when a tree fell on the roof of their truck on Beulah Road.

Both firefighters died at the scene of the accident, the police officer said.

Five deaths were also reported during the storm in the Upstate.

South Carolina suffered significant damage from Helene's impact Thursday and Friday morning.

McMaster declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in preparation for Helene's landfall. The statement directs the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to coordinate with state agencies to prepare for requests for assistance from local officials and county emergency management leaders.

The National Weather Service said wind gusts remained a threat for the rest of the day.

Rainfall totals will exceed 15 inches in some parts of the Upstate.

According to the National Weather Service, additional major flooding is underway or expected to occur on the Broad River, the Water River at Lake Wateree Dam.

According to the National Weather Service, wind gusts peaked at 82 miles per hour in Augusta. Wind gusts of 72 miles per hour were reported in Aiken.

“There have likely been a lot of tornadoes east of Interstate 20 since yesterday,” said John Quagiliariello of the National Weather Service. “In fact, the National Weather Service issues 63 tornado warnings across the country.”

It is currently unclear exactly how many tornadoes may have developed.

President Joe Biden approved the emergency declaration on Thursday. The president ordered federal assistance to supplement state, tribal and local response efforts due to the emergency situation resulting from Hurricane Helene that began Wednesday.

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