TAMPA, Fla. – Flooding caused by Hurricane Helene’s record-breaking storm surge has prompted hundreds of water rescues in coastal parts of the Tampa Bay area.

Helene caused significant impacts across the region before making landfall late Thursday evening as a Category 4 storm, bringing catastrophic storm surges and life-threatening winds to the Big Bend area of ​​Florida. Maximum sustained winds were 140 mph when the eye of the storm made landfall east of the mouth of the Aucilla River, about 10 miles west-southwest of Perry, Florida, around 11:15 p.m.

The National Hurricane Center said the storm weakened to a tropical storm by 5 a.m. Friday and would continue to weaken over land. It will still have a significant impact on Georgia and parts of the Carolinas. Flooding and widespread power outages are expected.

Hurricane Helene Tracker: The storm is weakening as it moves across the southeastern United States

Helene’s Impact on the Bay Area

Photos from Hurricane Helene: Here’s a look at how the storm impacted the Bay Area

FOX 13 meteorologists say storm surge is a major concern in the Tampa Bay area, leading to severe flooding and flood rescues in coastal areas.

According to FOX 13 Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto, storm surge in and around Tampa Bay reached its highest levels ever.

“Some of the meters have been around since the mid-1940s,” Dellegatto said. “Incredibly, some of the records broken were set last year during Idalia on August 30, 2023.”

Evacuation orders remain in effect in parts of several counties due to storm surges and flooding.

As water levels rose overnight, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office closed portions of US 19 as crews responded to more than 100 water rescue calls. At least 65 people were rescued, PCSO said.

Citrus County first responders also closed a portion of US-19 and rescued more than 100 people and more than 50 pets in the Crystal River area as waters rose during the overnight hours Friday.

Hillsborough County officials reported more than 300 calls and more than a dozen house fires and water rescues between 11 p.m. Thursday and 4 a.m. Friday.

First responders in Hillsborough County rescued four people and a dog from floodwaters near Hillsborough Avenue. (Courtesy: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue)

The city of Tampa reported dozens of water rescues, downed power lines and roadblocks and at least 12 downed trees early Friday. Access to the Davis Islands remains closed.

FOX 13 crews discovered a large fire in the Davis Islands. This was the view from Bayshore Blvd. early Friday.

Power outages are common in Pinellas County. Many roads are inaccessible and several are covered in debris, including the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. Officials have closed access to Gulf beaches and offshore islands until further notice.

The Clearwater Memorial Causeway was left covered in debris after Hurricane Helene severely impacted the Bay Area. (Courtesy: City of Clearwater)

Major bridges – including the Howard Frankland, Sunshine Skyway, Gandy and Courtney Campbell Causeway – remain closed after high winds forced them to close. The Florida Department of Transportation says inspectors must inspect the bridges before they reopen.

As for weather conditions, wind speeds will gradually decrease throughout the day on Friday. Check out the graphics below to see the forecast wind gusts.

Hundreds of thousands across the region have been without power since Friday.

Operations at Tampa International Airport are suspended until authorities determine it is safe to resume.

Schools will be closed Friday in many Bay Area districts.

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