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topicnews · September 27, 2024

Hurricane Helene makes landfall near Perry, Florida

Hurricane Helene makes landfall near Perry, Florida

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Information about landfall and Friday’s updates are here.

Hurricane Helene has made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the Florida Big Bend region Thursday at 11:10 p.m., and is moving quickly inland over the Florida Panhandle.

In a special update from the National Hurricane Center, Helene made landfall just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River. This is about 10 miles west-southwest of Perry, Florida.

➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location

➤ Live WeatherTiger updates: Meteorologist’s running forecast as Hurricane Helene nears Big Bend landfall.

➤ Live updates for Florida Big Bend: Get the latest for Tallahassee, coastal Big Bend areas.

➤ Live updates for Collier County: Get the latest for the Naples area here.

➤ Live updates for Lee County: Get the latest for the Fort Myers area here.

➤ Live updates for Sarasota-Manatee Counties: Get the latest for Sarasota-Bradenton here.

➤ Live updates for Brevard County: Get the latest for Melbourne and other areas of the Space Coast.

➤ Live updates for Volusia County: Get the latest for the Daytona Beach area here.

➤ Updates for Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie County: Get the latest for the Treasure Coast area here.

➤ Live updates for Marion County: Get the latest for the Ocala area here.

“Helene is expected to rapidly grow into a very large and powerful hurricane. The threat of storm surge along the Big Bend of Florida is life-threatening and destructive,” warned AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva. “Serious impacts will be felt hundreds of miles away from the center of circulation.”

➤ Emergency preparedness: What to pack in a ‘go bag’

Helene poses dangers of life-threatening storm surge, destructive winds and flash flooding along the entire west coast of Florida and the Big Bend, the NHC reported. The highest inundation levels and potentially catastrophic hurricane-force winds are expected along the Big Bend coast.

Preparations to protect life and property along the Florida Big Bend coast “should be rushed to completion,” the NHC said.

Power customers around Florida were left without service after Hurricane Helene’s devastating winds and surge flooded and blasted the Gulf Coast from Southwest Florida to Tampa Bay to the Big Bend. As of 1 a.m. Friday, there were more than 1.2 million customers without power around the state.

Power outages in your area and around the state can be checked here.

Report outages: Check your utility bill for contact information. Some common power companies in Florida are:

  • Beaches Energy: Call 904-247-6241.
  • Central Florida Electric Cooperative: Call (800) 227-1302, report online or through the  CFEC Power Partner app, Check the outages map here.
  • Clay Electric Cooperative: Call 1-888-434-9844. Check outages map.
  • Duke Energy: Click here, use the app or call 800-228-8485, check outages map
  • Florida Power & Light: Report it online or through the app, or check your utility bill for your local number. Check the outages map.
  • Fort Pierce Utilities Authority: Call (772) 466-7703.
  • Jackson Energy Authority: Call 731-422-7500 or report online. Check outages map.
  • Lakeland Electric: Call (863) 834-4248, report online or check the outages map
  • Orlando Utilities Commission: Call 407-423-9018, text OUT to 69682, or log in to report online. Check the outages map.
  • Peace River Electric Cooperative: Call 800-282-3824, report online or through the app, or text PRECO to 800-282-3824. Check outage map.
  • City of Tallahassee: call 850-891-4968 or 711 (TDD), report online at Talgov.com/Outages or use the DigiTally mobile app
  • SECO Energy: Call (352) 793 -3801 or report online. Check outage map.
  • Talquin Electric: Sign up here for text notification and outage reporting via text, check outages alerts
  • TECO Energy Tampa Electric: Call (813) 223-0800 or 1-888-223-0800 or log into your account. Check outages map.
  • West Florida Electric: Call 1-844-688-2431 or text 1-800-342-7400. Check outages map.
  • Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative: Call 352-567-5133, report online or through the app.

In the eastern and central Tropical Atlantic there is Invest 98L, which has a high chance of formation, according to the National Hurricane Center’s tropical outlook.

Showers and thunderstorms associated with an area of low pressure located about one thousand miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands continue to show signs of organization. Recent satellite imagery suggests the system does not yet have a well-defined surface circulation. However, environmental conditions are expected to beconducive for further development.

A tropical depression is expected to form tonight or on Friday while the disturbance movesgenerally westward to west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph. The system is then forecast to slow down and turn north-northwestward late Friday and Saturday. It is too soon to know whether it will affect land.

  • Formation chance through 48 hours: High, 90 percent
  • Formation chance through 7 days: High, 90 percent

As of midnight, Helene continues to produce catastrophic winds that are pushing further inland over the Florida Big Bend and Florida Panhandle and will soon be entering southeastern Georgia, according to the National Hurricane Center.

This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Persons should not leave their shelters and remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions. When in the eye, people are reminded to not venture out in the relative calm, as hazardous winds will increase very quickly when the eye passes.

An ASOS station at the Perry-Foley Airport recently reported a sustained wind of 55 mph and a wind gust of 99 mph while also reporting a minimum pressure of 948 mb.

A National Ocean Service tide gauge at Cedar Key is reporting a water level 8.68 feet above mean higher high water, which is an approximation of inundation in that area.

Helene is located 80 miles north-northwest of Cedar Key and 45 miles east-southeast of Tallahassee with winds of 140 mph, moving north-northeast at 24 mph.

Hurricane Helene has made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in the Florida Big Bend region Thursday at 11:10 p.m.

In a special update from the National Hurricane Center, Helene made landfall just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River. This is about 10 miles west-southwest of Perry, Florida. Based on data from Air Force reconnaissance aircraft, the maximum sustained winds are estimated to be 140 mph.

Helene is located 70 miles north-northwest of Cedar Key and 45 miles south-southeast of Tallahassee with winds of 140 mph, moving north-northeast at 24 mph.

In a 11 p.m. update, the NHC said Hurricane Helene is very close to making landfall in the Florida Big Bend, accompanied by a catastrophic storm surge and life-threatening winds.

Helene is located 75 miles northwest of Cedar Key and 40 miles southeast of Tallahassee with winds of 140 mph, moving north-northeast at 24 mph.

In a 10 p.m. special update, the NHC said the eyewall of Hurricane Helene is beginning to move ashore along the Florida coast of the Big Bend.

Helene is producing catastrophic winds that will be spreading onshore in the Florida Big Bend region during the next few hours. This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation.

Persons should not leave their shelters and remain in place through the passage of these life-threatening conditions. When the eye comes ashore, people are reminded to not venture out in the relative calm, as hazardous winds will increase very quickly when the eye passes.

A University of Florida Coastal Monitoring Program tower located on Cedar Key recently reported a sustained wind of 59 mph and a wind gust of 78 mph.

A NOAA National Ocean Service tide gauge located at Clearwater Beach recently reported a water level of 6.18 feet above mean higher high water, which is an approximation of inundation in that area. A National Ocean Service tide gauge at Cedar Key is reporting a water level 5.76 feet above mean higher high water.

Helene is located 65 miles west-northwest of Cedar Key and 65 miles south of Tallahassee with winds of 140 mph, moving north-northeast at 24 mph.

In a 9 p.m. special update, the NHC said Hurricane Helene has grown slightly.

A University of Florida Coastal Monitoring Program tower located on Cedar Key recently reported a sustained wind of 55 mph and a wind gust of 73 mph. A NOAA National Ocean Service tide gauge located at Clearwater Beach recently reported a water level of 5.07 feet above mean higher high water, which is an approximation of inundation in that area.

Helene is located 65 miles west of Cedar Key and 90 miles south of Tallahassee with winds of 140 mph, moving north-northeast at 24 mph.

Tornado watches have been issued across the state, with a threat through 6 a.m. Friday.

As of 8 p.m., Helene is moving toward the north-northeast near 23 mph. A continued fast motion to the north-northeast is expected through landfall in the Florida Big Bend in a few hours. After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday.

The eye of Hurricane Helene is located 80 miles west-southwest of Cedar Key and 115 south of Tallahassee with winds of 130 mph.

Helene is accelerating toward Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane.

As of a NHC update at 6:20 p.m., the eye of Hurricane Helene was located 120 miles west of Tampa and 165 south of Tallahassee.

“NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft currently investigating Helene recently found that the maximum sustained winds have increased to 130 mph.”

Helene is moving toward the north-northeast near 23 mph.

Helene’s “wind-whipped waves” shut down the eastbound lanes of the Courtney Campbell Causeway in Clearwater Thursday afternoon, the Clearwater Police Department reported in a post on X.

The combination of a life-threatening storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide, according to the NHC:

  • Carrabelle, FL to Suwannee River, FL…15-20 ft
  • Apalachicola, FL to Carrabelle, FL…10-15 ft
  • Suwannee River, FL to Chassahowitzka, FL…10-15 ft
  • Chassahowitzka, FL to Anclote River, FL…8-12 ft
  • Indian Pass, FL to Apalachicola, FL…6-10 ft
  • Anclote River, FL to Middle of Longboat Key, FL…5-8 ft
  • Tampa Bay…5-8 ft
  • Middle of Longboat Key, FL to Englewood, FL…4-7 ft
  • East of Mexico Beach, FL to Indian Pass, FL…3-5 ft
  • Englewood, FL to Flamingo, FL…3-5 ft
  • Charlotte Harbor…3-5 ft

The Florida Highway Patrol closed the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa Thursday afternoon, the agency posted on X.

“The Skyway Bridge and the Howard Frankland Bridge are both CLOSED due to high winds and storm surge. Motorists should stay off the highways, the post reads.

Helene is accelerating toward Florida’s Big Bend as tropical storm conditions are occurring across most of the West Coast.

As of the NHC’s 5 p.m. update, the eye of Hurricane Helene was located 130 miles west of Tampa and 175 south of Tallahassee.

Helene is moving toward the north-northeast near 23 mph.

A continued fast motion to the north-northeast is expected through landfall in the Florida Big Bend this evening.

After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 125 mph with higher gusts. Helene is a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Additional strengthening is expected, and Helene will likely be an extremely dangerous category 4 hurricane at landfall.

Weakening is expected after Helene moves inland, but the fast forward speed will allow strong, damaging winds, especially in gusts, to penetrate well inland across the southeastern United States, including over the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 310 miles.

A weather station at Venice Municipal Airport recently reported a sustained wind of 46 mph with a gust of 69 mph. Another observation near Venice Beach reported a sustained wind of 51 mph with a gust to 66 mph.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell will visit Florida on Friday to assess the impacts of the storm and report back to President Joe Biden. 

Criswell said she would fly as close as she could to Tallahassee and meet with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his team. The FEMA leader said she would like to take an aerial tour if possible so she can see the damage for herself. Afterward, she is prepared to move up to Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, also expected to be heavily affected by Helene. 

“Me being on the ground helps me validate some of the damage more quickly, so we can get major declarations in place faster,” she told reporters at a White House briefing Thursday, adding the agency has the resources it needs to respond to this disaster.

Criswell said FEMA has aggressively deployed resources in advance of Helene’s arrival and advised those likely to be impacted to do the same, both in Florida and across inland locations far from the storm’s landfall. Parts of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and the Appalachians could get up to 20 inches of rain and experience widespread flooding.

“Take the storm seriously,” Criswell said. “People in Hurricane Helene’s path, you need to listen to your local officials. If they tell you to evacuate, please do so, and if they tell you to shelter in place, then that’s what you should do. They’re going to give you the best information that you can do for your specific situation. Those decisions can save lives.”

− Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY

Storm surge from Hurricane Helene has pushed Gulf waters onto Treasure Island’s Sunset Beach and, flooding homes and businesses, according to a post by the city on X.

Data from an Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that the minimum pressure of Helene has decreased to 951 mb, according to the latest update from the National Weather Service.

As of 4 p.m., the center of Helene was 145 miles west-southwest of Tampa and the storm was moving north-northeast at 21 mph and packing 120-mph winds.

A Weatherflow station at Egmont Channel at the entrance to Tampa Bay recently measured a sustained wind of 54 mph and a gust to 68 mph.

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport recently measured a sustained wind of 43 mph and a gust to 63 mph.

Waffle House, a chain used by many as an unofficial benchmark for the severity of a disaster, has officially shuttered its doors at all its Tallahassee locations and Crawfordville location as Hurricane Helene approaches.

“In areas predicted to be hit hardest, we will preemptively close restaurants with a goal of reopening them as soon it is safe to do so, to serve communities that have been there for us over the years,” a Waffle House representative told the Tallahassee Democrat in an email Thursday afternoon.

➤ Waffle House Index explained

– Kya A. Sanford

A man and his dog were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard around 3 p.m. Thursday from a sailboat 20 miles off the coast of Sanibel Island, according to NBC2.

Both are safe, the USCG told the outlet.

In a 3 p.m. update, the National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Helene has sped up to 20 mph. 

A significant increase in forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours, the NHC said.

A Weatherflow station at Egmont Channel at the entrance to Tampa Bay recently measured a sustained wind of 50 mph and a gust to 62 mph.

Spectrum announced Thursday it will help residents stay connected during and after Hurricane Helene with free, unlimited access to Spectrum Wi-Fi access points, the company said in a news release.

Spectrum will make available more than 45,000 access points in Florida, 2,000 in Georgia and 2,900 in Alabama.

See the Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi map.

Helene’s storm surge is pounding the bridge with crashing waves and pushing water onto the Howard Frankland Bridge at I-275 in Tampa, as seen in a post on X by Spectrum Bay News 9..

Water is starting to spill over the top of the Matlacha Bridge, thanks to Helene’s winds and the high tide, said Cody Allen, assistant chief for the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire District.

Allen said he encourages people to stay off the roads and the bridge unless they absolutely need to be there.

“As far as I know, it’s not impassable,” he said about the bridge. “But we encourage people, if you don’t need to be on the roadway, then stay off the roadway. … People can drive, but we encourage them not to.”

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Hurricane Helene storm surge threatens Matlacha Bridge near Fort Myers

Hurricane Helene storm surge threatens Matlacha Bridge near Fort Myers

Other than that, the fire district is continuing to monitor things as Hurricane Helene continues its path north.

So far, there hasn’t been anything major happening other than some expected flooding in flood-prone areas, rain bands and gusty winds, Allen said.

“We’ve had a couple of downed branches and downed trees that we’re moving off the roadway …” he said. “We’ve been continuously driving the streets on all areas of the island to monitor flooding, any damages, and do debris assessments and things like that. And we’re monitoring wind speeds, as well.”

– Charles Runnells

Helene is now a major Category 3 hurricane, packing 120-mph winds and moving at 16 mph, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

As of 2:25 p.m., the center of Hurricane Helene was located about 170 miles west-southwest of Tampa and 205 miles south of Apalachicola.

A significant increase in forward speed is expected during the next 24 hours.

On the forecast track, Helene will make landfall in the Florida Big Bend region this evening. After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday.

Additional strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Florida Big Bend coast this evening.

Weakening is expected after landfall, but Helene’s fast forward speed will allow strong, damaging winds, especially in gusts, to penetrate well inland across the southeastern United States, including over the higher terrain of the southern Appalachians.

Helene is a very large hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 345 miles.

The Florida Highway Patrol in Tampa on Thursday afternoon announced the closure of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg due to high winds and asked drivers to find alternate routes.

“As weather conditions continue to deteriorate & wind gusts have reached 60 MPH, FHP is closing the #Skyway. Motorists are requested to seek alternate routes, do not drive through flooded roads & unless absolutely necessary stay off area roadways,” FHP posted on X.

Part of a tree fell Thursday morning on a mobile home on Southeast Cortez Street in Stuart, collapsing the home’s roof but causing no injuries, Martin County Fire Rescue officials said.

Fire rescue officials were called at 9:17 a.m. to a fallen tree in the 400 block of Cortez Street, said Martin County Fire Rescue District Chief Joshua Shell. Wind from Hurricane Helene’s squalls knocked down a portion of the tree. He said the tree collapsed the roof and separated the front from the back of the mobile home.

There were no serious injuries.

– Olivia Franklin

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Part of tree falls on home in Stuart as Hurricane Helene roars off Florida’s west coast

Winds pushed part of a tree onto a home in the 400 block of Southeast Cortez Street on Sept. 26, 2024, in Stuart as Hurricane Helene roared off the west coast of Florida, bringing a small risk for severe weather to the Treasure Coast.

The U.S. Geological Survey deployed 13 wave sensors between Venice and Panama City Wednesday.

According to a news release, the sensors will measure water levels and give insight on factors such as wave height and frequency, storm tide and storm surge. The sensors will be in place from before Helene arrives until the storm departs, and at that time, scientists will retrieve the instruments and analyze collected data.

According to USGS, the resulting information can be used to fine-tune future storm surge and coastal change forecasts. The sensor data can help identify areas hit the hardest by storm surge and guide emergency responders and local officials with recovery efforts. Insight can also help inform flood insurance maps and building codes to improve structural designs for public safety.

“Studying Helene and other storms gives real-world insight that’s valuable in helping with community preparedness,” USGS associate center director for data Kevin Grimsley said. “Wave sensors capture data at a very high frequency, so we are able to receive extremely detailed and comprehensive records.”

Over 1,000 U.S. flights are canceled by early Thursday due to Hurricane Helene, according to FlightAware. Tampa International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Tallahassee International Airport in Florida all announced they’ll be closed for the day, but the storm’s impacts extend beyond its projected path. Airlines began offering travel waivers earlier this week so customers could reschedule their plans around the storm.

Anyone whose flight was canceled is eligible for a refund under Department of Transportation rules. Federal laws do not require airlines to compensate travelers for delayed flights, but carriers have committed to various degrees of compensation for significant delays within their control. Read more here.

− Eve Chen, USA TODAY

Volusia County has closed beaches to driving because of the high tide, and beaches will remain closed to driving the rest of the day. Beach conditions are hazardous.

“It’s almost time to hunker down,” the county said in a news release. “If you haven’t already done so, take one quick, final look around your property. Be sure to take in anything ― furniture, tools, flowerpots, wind chimes, yard debris ― that could become airborne in high winds and cause damage or injury.”

The county provided other storm updates:

  • The Daytona Beach International Airport is open, but flights could be impacted. The county is encouraging people to call their airlines for flight information.
  • Volusia County libraries and government offices are closed today. The Florida Department of Health in Volusia is also closed.
  • The county does not plan to open shelters.
  • People should “never use a generator indoors or outside near windows, vents or air intakes that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. This could be fatal. Also, proper ventilation is critical to reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator’s engine exhaust. When using one, be sure to maintain plenty of air flow space around the generator. And consider buying a CO detector.”
  • People who see a downed power line should assume it’s electrified and avoid it. People should report the downed line to their power company and the county’s Citizens Information Center at 866-345-0345. The center will be open until 6 p.m. today.
  • People should only travel if it’s essential once the weather gets worse, and people should avoid roads with standing water.

― Sheldon Gardner

Some Collier County roads are closed as flooding caused by Hurricane Helene impacts the Naples area.

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Tin City flooding begins as Hurricane Helene outer bands hit Florida

Captain Dean Murphy of Flat Bottom Girl Charters films the start of flooding in Tin City during high tide as Hurricane Helene inches toward Florida.

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Hurricane Helene causes flooding at Naples’ Gulf Shore Boulevard South

Scenes from Gulf Shore Boulevard South and 13th Avenue South as it floods due to Hurricane Helene on Thursday, Sept. 26.

The Clearwater Police Department warned residents to stay clear of the beach.

“Current conditions at #clearwaterbeach ahead of #HurricaneHelene — Zone A, which includes the beach, remains under a mandatory evacuation order,” the agency posted on X late Thursday morning. “Stay away from the beach today.”

Universal Orlando Resort announced operational changes for Thursday due to Hurricane Helene.

  • Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida is canceled. (Tickets dated Sept. 26 can be used through Sunday, Sept. 29)
  • Universal Volcano Bay is closed.
  • Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure will close at their regularly scheduled times – with Universal Studios closing at 5 p.m. and Islands of Adventure closing at 8 p.m.
  • Universal CityWalk will close early at 8 p.m.
  • Hotels remain operational

Halloween Horror Nights single night dated tickets for Thursday, Sept. 26 will be honored for a single night use through Sunday, Sept. 29. All other HHN ticket questions can be directed to our Guest Contact Center team by calling 800-711-0080, according to a weather update on Universal’s website.

“We anticipate a full reopening of our resort including Halloween Horror Nights on Friday, Sept. 27,” the resort posted on its website.

“The hurricane hasn’t even hit yet, Bayshore is already completely flooded,” TikTok user Tampa Terrence said in a video posted on the platform. “Might get pretty scary come 4 o’clock,” he added.

Helene continues to strengthen as the Category 2 hurricane closes in on Florida with landfall expected this evening as a major hurricane in the Big Bend region.

As of the NHC’s 11 a.m. advisory, Helene’s center was 255 miles southwest of Tampa and 290 miles south of Apalachicola, packing 105-mph winds and moving at 14 mph, the National Hurricane Center reported.

Helene is a very large hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 345 miles.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for:

  • Mexico Beach eastward and southward to Flamingo
  • Tampa Bay
  • Charlotte Harbor

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for:

  • Anclote River to Mexico Beach

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for:

  • Englewood to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

  • Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas
  • Flamingo to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay
  • West of Mexico Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line
  • Flamingo northward to Little River Inlet
  • Lake Okeechobee

A storm surge of 3 to 5 feet is anticipated from Bonita Beach to Englewood; 4 to 7 feet from Englewood to the middle of Longboat Key; and 5 to 8 feet from the middle of Longboat Key north to Anclote Key.

The area is still projected to receive tropical storm force winds, beginning this morning. Tropical storm winds are projected to exit both Sarasota and Manatee counties between 9 p.m., Thursday and midnight Friday.

The rainfall forecast still calls for 3 to 6 inches, with locally higher amounts up to 10 inches – with potential for moderate flooding from rains in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The Shore Acres area of St. Petersburg and homes in St. James City were impacted by storm surge flooding Thursday morning, according to posts on X.

The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a tornado warning for New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater and Glencoe until 11 a.m. Take cover now.

“Very minor tidal flooding from #Helene in Clearwater, Florida,” Chris Conte posted on X.

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Flooding from Hurricane Helene floods FMB

Flooding from Hurricane Helene on Fort Myers Beach

Roads in Pinellas County are beginning to flood, including streets in Belair, the town posted on X.

“It’s likely to get much worse later today as storm surge levels rise. Residents should shelter in place and avoid travel,” the post warned.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has partnered with Uber to provide free rides to shelters, up to $35 each way to and from a state-approved shelter, in counties under a state of emergency for Hurricane Helene, the agency posted on X.

To get a ride:

  • Open the Uber app
  • Tap Account on the bottom right & tap Wallet
  • Add promo code HELENERELIEF

A fish swimming in a flooded downtown Sarasota street was caught on video by Weather Channel reporter Molly McCollum.

“We have a fish swimming in the street in Sarasota. The rain that came down from the outer bands this morning is having trouble escaping to the Bay because of high tide and water levels coming up,” McCollum posted on X.

As Florida power outages begin to mount, with over 5,000 outages reported in Polk County and significant impact still to come, here’s a look at the power outage map for Hurricane Helene.

Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared on Fox & Friends Thursday morning to talk about Florida’s preparations for Hurricane Helene.

The governor warned that time is running out for those living in evacuation zones to leave.

“People just need to make decisions, keep themselves safe,” DeSantis said. “Soon as the storm passes, you’re going to see the response very quickly.”

He also emphasized the potential damages for Tallahassee, which has historically missed the brunt of major hurricanes.

“If it does hit Tallahassee, they have not had a major hurricane in Tallahassee in recent memory,” DeSantis said. “We’ve got a lot of beautiful trees here — the neighborhoods have them. But when you start having 125 mph winds, that could cause a lot of damage, a lot of debris as well.”

He gave another warning for those who live beneath trees: “You got a big oak fall on your roof, that is not going to be something that you’re going to want to be there for,” he said.

– Tallahassee Democrat Staff

Street signs bobbed up and down in the strong breeze along Crescent Street as a slow procession of cars were leaving Fort Myers Beach.

Charcoal gray clouds slipped across the horizon as water continued to flood Times Square.

Sea water was flowing into the storm water drains early this morning.

High tide here is around 9:30 a.m., although surge is expected to be at its worst in the afternoon and evening hours.

Conditions are only expected to get worse today as winds shift and start to blow onshore.

Storm surge is expected to be the greatest danger for this region with Hurricane Helene.

– Chad Gillis

According to the National Weather Service, doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across Franklin County, Gulf County, and areas in and around the Big Bend and Gulf Coast. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.

Locations that will experience flash flooding include:

Carrabelle, Apalachicola, Eastpoint, St George Island, Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach, Wewahitchka, Stonemill Creek, Franklin, Beverly, Buck Siding, Hays Place, Fort Gadsden, Creels, Howard Creek, Bay City, Apalachicola Airport, Tilton and Willis Landing.

This warning expires at 12:15 p.m. Thursday.

Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen, with winds at 100 mph, now a Category 2 storm, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Additional strengthening is expected and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane before landfall later tonight. A major hurricane has maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph, making it a Category 3 storm or higher.

— Cheryl McCloud

Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 storm, meaning sustained winds at 111-129 mph, with stronger gusts that could cause extensive damage.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles (95 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 345 miles (555 km), according to the National Hurricane Center’s forecast discussion.

The Key West Naval Air Station recently reported sustained winds of 41 mph (66 km/h) and a wind gust of 55 mph (89 km/h).

Many Florida districts have closed schools and state universities are also shut down, along with early learning and vocational rehabilitation offices. Here’s a complete list.

The eye of Hurricane Helene, forecast to be a catastrophic storm, is not forecast to pass through Orlando. But the area, Orange and surrounding counties, are under tornado watch until 8 p.m.

In Central Florida, the biggest associated with Helene include heavy rain, potential flooding, gusty winds and potential tornadoes starting Thursday, WESH 2 news reported Thursday.

A tornado watch has been issued for most of the Florida Peninsula until 8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Several tornadoes are likely.

Counties included in the watch are: Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia.

— Cheryl McCloud

Landfall is expected along the coast of the Florida Big Bend Thursday night, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The latest information suggests landfall may be near Apalachicola, Florida, between 9 and 11 p.m. Thursday, according to AccuWeather.

— Cheryl McCloud

Sarasota and Manatee counties can expect winds of 39-57 mph starting early this morning and extending into the afternoon.

The current National Weather Service forecast calls for 3-6 inches of rain, with up to 10 inches in select areas; a storm surge of 4-7 feet in coastal Sarasota and 5-8 feet in coastal Manatee; and heavy winds, especially along the coast.

— Brian Ries

Volusia County is expected to experience tropical storm-force winds beginning around noon, with sporadic gusts up to 60 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Rainfall will range from 1 to 4 inches with possible flooding in low-lying and urban areas. There is a possibility of overnight tornados that will increase Thursday.

All Volusia County offices will be closed on Thursday, including library branches. Beach driving, beach restrooms, and coastal parks will be closed tomorrow, with the inlet parks closing at 11 a.m.

The Florida Department of Transportation has announced that SunRail will not operate on Thursday with service expected to resume on Friday pending inspections. Votran was planning to run Thursday morning, but service may be suspended at any point during the day. The landfill and trash collection in unincorporated areas will operate on a regular schedule.

Take cover, a tornado warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Miami at 5:04 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. That includes the following counties: Collier.

The warning was set to expire at 6 a.m. Thursday.

The NWS recommends: “TAKE COVER NOW! Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night. Do not wait to see or hear the tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!”

➤ How to prepare for a hurricane

Your hurricane preparations should be complete. If advised to evacuate, please do so before conditions become too dangerous. Keep an eye on weather updates. Make sure you monitor the latest conditions.

— Cheryl McCloud

Helene is moving toward the north-northeast near 12 mph. This general motion is expected to continue with a significant increase in forward speed during the next 24 hours.

On the forecast track, Helene will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico today and cross the Florida Big Bend coast this evening or early Friday morning. After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwest and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 90 mph, with higher gusts.

Strengthening is forecast, and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane when it reaches the Florida Big Bend coast this evening.

— Cheryl McCloud

As of 5 a.m. Thursday, the National Hurricane Center put Hurricane Helene in the Gulf of Mexico and tracking north-northeast:

  • Location: 350 miles southwest of Tampa; 385 miles south of Apalachicola
  • Maximum sustained winds: 90 mph
  • Movement: north-northeast at 12 mph
  • Pressure: 966 mb
  • Next advisory: 8 a.m.

Helene could bring up to 20 feet of storm surge

The combination of a life-threatening storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline, according to the NHC.

The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide:

  • Carrabelle, FL to Suwannee River, FL…15-20 ft
  • Apalachicola, FL to Carrabelle, FL…10-15 ft
  • Suwannee River, FL to Chassahowitzka, FL…10-15 ft
  • Chassahowitzka, FL to Anclote River, FL…8-12 ft
  • Indian Pass, FL to Apalachicola, FL…6-10 ft
  • Anclote River, FL to Middle of Longboat Key, FL…5-8 ft
  • Tampa Bay…5-8 ft
  • Middle of Longboat Key, FL to Englewood, FL…4-7 ft
  • East of Mexico Beach, FL to Indian Pass, FL…3-5 ft
  • Englewood, FL to Flamingo, FL…3-5 ft
  • Charlotte Harbor…3-5 ft

Warnings, watches issued for Florida

Storm surge warning: A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations.

  • Mexico Beach eastward and southward to Flamingo
  • Tampa Bay
  • Charlotte Harbor

Hurricane warning: A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.

  • Anclote River to Mexico Beach, Florida

Hurricane watch: A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds.

  • Englewood to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay

Tropical storm warning: A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within the next 36 hours.

  • Florida Keys, including the Dry Tortugas
  • Flamingo to Anclote River, including Tampa Bay
  • West of Mexico Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line
  • Flamingo northward to Little River Inlet
  • Lake Okeechobee

Evacuations ordered for Florida counties ahead of Helene

According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, evacuations have been ordered for the following Florida counties:

MANDATORY

Charlotte County: Evacuations have been ordered for barrier islands, low-lying and flood prone areas, manufactured homes, and homes that don’t meet 1995 building codes.

Citrus County: Mandatory Evacuation: For licensed Skilled Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities located in ZONE A ONLY: Wednesday, September 25, 8AM Those living within Evacuation Zone A or any structure countywide not capable of withstanding tropical storm force winds or greater: Wednesday, September 25, 2PM

Dixie County: Dixie County Emergency Management has issued a mandatory evacuation order in preparation for Hurricane Helene. Evacuations will begin at 10AM on Wednesday September 25, 2024 for the following: • All coastal communities including: Suwanee, Horseshoe Beach, Jena, and the immediate surrounding areas. • Mobile Homes and Manufactured homes throughout the county. • Recreational Vehicles County Wide. • Low Lying Areas in the county.

Franklin County: In response to the projected trajectory and intensity of Tropical Storm Helene, Franklin County will implement a mandatory evacuation for the entire county, effective at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Gulf County: 09/24/24 1000 hours – All non-residents and all Recreational Vehicles (RV’s) in Indian Pass, Cape San Blas, & Simmons Bayou MUST be evacuated by 8:00 AM Wednesday (09/25)

Hillsborough County: Mandatory Evacuation for Zone A and All Mobile and Manufactured Homes Ahead of Tropical Storm Helene.

Jefferson County: Residents of mobile homes, low lying flood prone areas, RV’s, modular homes, and homes that are not up to current hurricane standards.

Lafayette County: Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners and Division of Emergency Management has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all residents living in mobile homes, travel trailers, structurally compromised housing and low lying areas for the entire county. The mandatory evacuations will go into effect on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 8:00 AM.

Leon County: Leon County has issued a mandatory evacuation for residents of mobile and manufactured homes due to the threat of hurricane-force winds. Manufactured and mobile home residents in Leon County should seek safer shelter by 8 a.m. on Thursday, September 26.

Levy County: A Mandatory Evacuation Order is issued for: -Recreational vehicle parks throughout the county, and they shall be removed from the county to the maximum extent possible. -Mobile Homes and Manufactured homes throughout the county. Coastal Communities in the county. Low-Lying areas throughout the county.

Madison County: Due to expected Hurricane force winds, Madison County has a VOLUNTARY evacuation in place for mobile homes, sub-standard housing and flood prone areas.

Manatee County: Manatee County announced a call for evacuation for residents who live in Level A flood zones starting Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. in preparation for Tropical Storm Helene. Evacuation Level A includes all of Anna Maria Island and Manatee portions of Longboat Key, as well as coastal mainland areas. The evacuation also applies to all low-lying and flood-prone areas as well as all mobile and manufactured homes.

Pasco County: Mandatory evacuations will go into effect Wednesday, September 25, at 9:00 a.m. for the following: Evacuation Zone A. Everyone living in a manufactured home, mobile home or RV anywhere in Pasco Everyone in low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding Everyone in an area ordered evacuated by local authorities due to life-safety hazards Voluntary evacuations will go into effect Wednesday, September 25, at 9:00 a.m. for the following: Evacuation Zones B and C Everyone registered with Pasco as a Special Needs Resident Everyone who would be vulnerable in the event of a power loss.

Pinellas County: Mandatory Evacuation Order only for our long-term healthcare residential facilities, which includes hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities that or in Zone A. https://www.facebook.com/PinellasGov

Sarasota County: Sarasota County has declared a local state of emergency and has called for evacuations of Level A manufactured home communities starting Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 7 a.m. Evacuation centers in Sarasota County will open at noon Wednesday.

Taylor County: The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a Mandatory Evacuation Order for everyone in Taylor County due to the intensity of the forecasted Hurricane Helene effective immediately.

Wakulla County:  All evacuation zones in Wakulla County are under a mandatory evacuation order. On September 24, 2024, the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners issued a countywide mandatory evacuation for citizens and visitors by no later than 8 a.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

VOLUNTARY

  • Alachua County
  • Baker County
  • Gadsden County
  • Hamilton County
  • Jefferson County
  • Madison County
  • Suwannee County
  • Union County

Hurricane Helene projected path

Weather radar Florida

Tropical Storm Helene tracker

Helene spaghetti models

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