Overview

• Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding across the U.S., killing at least 221 people, many in inland areas previously considered less vulnerable to severe weather.
• Sibrina Barnett, one of six workers who died at Impact Plastics in Erwin, Tennessee, was trapped by rapidly rising floodwaters while at work.
• Factory workers reportedly relied on management for warnings about outside dangers, but some claim they were not dismissed until conditions became dire.
• Litigation and investigations have been launched into the factory’s response, with allegations of inadequate safety measures and delayed evacuations.
• The tragedy highlights the growing risk of extreme weather events in inland regions as climate change intensifies storm impacts.