( NewsNation) — The worst of Helene’s storm is behind, but the aftermath troubles much of the southeastern U.S. with at least 56 people dead and millions without power days after the former hurricane’s landfall. Now considered a post-tropical cyclone, Helen’s catastrophic flooding remains a concern as it moves east toward Kentucky and Tennessee.

Road closures caused by surging rivers and disrupted communications in the wake of Hurricane Helene on Saturday isolated western North Carolina in what officials are calling a "catastrophic natural disaster.

The storm’s downpours have brought flooding far inland in the Southeast and Appalachia, where few homeowners are insured against it.

The storm helps call into focus Florida residents' ongoing struggles with the high cost of home insurance.