Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath: A Look at the Damage Across Florida
Tallahassee, Roughtly 30 miles from Landfall
The capital appeared to be spared of the worst of Helene, but Tallahassee International Airport remained closed Friday morning. NBC’s Jay Gray reported, "It couldn’t be more calm right now. It’s going to be a beautiful morning; the sun’s going to come out… It’s amazing how that works with these storms. [But] let’s talk a bit about the damage. It is extensive."
Steinhatchee, Roughtly 45 miles from Landfall
In Steinhatchee, homes were completely engulfed by storm surge. Video shows only roofs visible, the rest under water.
Cedar Key, Roughtly 86 miles from Landfall
In Cedar Key, the storm surge was about 8 feet along the coast, about 70 miles away from Perry where the storm made landfall, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Pasco County, Roughtly 150 miles from Landfall, but at one point about 100 miles east of the center
Incredible video shows water rescue efforts underway in Pasco County. Pictures show rising water. According to the Pasco County’s Sheriff’s Office, about 200 people have been rescued in the area as of Friday morning.
Clearwater, Roughtly 163 miles from Landfall, but at one point about 100 miles east of the center
The U.S. Coast Guard made a daring rescue Thursday, saving a man and his dog during dangerous storm conditions. Coast Guard officials said the man’s 36-foot sailboat starting taking on water approximately 25 miles off of Sanibel Island. That man and his dog are both safe Friday morning.
Tampa, Roughtly 174 miles from Landfall, but at one point about 120 miles east of the center
Remarkable video from Tampa General Hospital shows the hospital surrounded by storm surge. Luckily, they were able to use a special aqua fence to prevent water from Hillsborough Bay from entering. They said the barrier was able to withstand up to 15 feet of storm surge.
Bradenton, Roughtly 198 miles away from landfall, but at one point 120 miles southeast of the center
Video shows a causeway shutdown in Bradenton amid high winds and storm surge. Video from Bradenton Police showed high winds and extremely dangerous, flooded roads. A loose sailboat can be seen being blown over amid multiple downed trees.
Fort Myers, Roughtly 270 miles away from landfall, but at one point 175 miles east of the center
Although Fort Myers Beach, Florida did not take a direct hit from Hurricane Helene, the storm surge there was significant enough where a few residents had to be rescued from rising waters overnight. Emergency vehicles with the Fort Myers Beach Police Department deployed for rescues, driving through flooded roads that nearly covered their headlights. They warned people not to leave their homes until it was completely safe to do so.
Conclusion
Hurricane Helene’s impact on Florida was severe, with significant damage and disruption reported across the state. The storm made landfall in northwestern Florida as a Category 4 storm and brought powerful winds and storm surge to many areas. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is clear that the storm has left a significant impact on the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the category of Hurricane Helene when it made landfall in Florida?
A: Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm.
Q: What was the maximum sustained wind speed of Hurricane Helene when it made landfall?
A: The maximum sustained wind speed of Hurricane Helene was not reported, as it had weakened to a tropical storm by the time it made landfall.
Q: How many people were rescued in Pasco County?
A: According to the Pasco County’s Sheriff’s Office, about 200 people have been rescued in the area as of Friday morning.
Q: What was the storm surge in Cedar Key, Florida?
A: The storm surge in Cedar Key, Florida was about 8 feet along the coast, about 70 miles away from Perry where the storm made landfall.
