Helene death toll rises to 21 as storm's heavy rains flood the South

As many as 21 people are reported dead Friday as a result of Tropical Storm Helene that game ashore overnight, then pushed north dropping heavy rain in five Southern states that a resulted in flooding, flash-flood warnings and emergency evacuations.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said 11 people have so far died in his state, according to the Associated Press. 

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Helene made landfall the night before near Tallahassee, Florida, as a Category 4 Hurricane. 

The storm, which gained strength as it powered through the the Gulf of Mexico's warm waters, had by early Friday already move into North Carolina, after having lost strength as it move north into Georgia. 

However, Helene remains a dangerous threat, having knocked out power to millions throughout Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas and bringing so much rain to Georgia's major city Atlanta that officials issue a flash-flood warning.

The six deaths an 3 million people without power as of Friday morning is being reported by ABC News.

The storm hit Florida's Big Bend region at about 11:30 p.m. Thursday with 140 mph winds.