We’re bringing you the latest information on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene as the storm moves north.

Hurricane Resources

Friday, September 27th

7:38am

Crystal River is experiencing severe flooding as officials conduct water rescues.

7:26 am

Gulfport’s mayor released an update on the storm’s impact on the city.

The mayor of Gulfport speaks about the aftermath of Helene

7:21 am

Bridges around Tampa Bay will remain closed Friday morning.

WFTS

WFTS

6:59 am

Tampa Fire Rescue crews are battling a structure fire in the 4600 block of West San Miguel Street. Two people were transported from the scene with smoke-related injuries.

Tampa Fire Rescue

Tampa Fire Rescue

6:56 a.m

About 200 people were rescued from rising water in Pasco County overnight, according to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. Flooding on US 19 has begun to subside, slowing rescue calls.

Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

6:21 am

Officials said all Pinellas County barrier islands from the Dunedin Causeway to Tierra Verde remain closed to all citizens, including local residents, until further notice.

6:13am

Mayor Jane Castor said there have been a total of 87 water rescues in South Tampa so far, including on Davis Island and Palmetto Beach.

Tampa residents can check which streets are flooded using the city’s official flood map here.

Press officer for the city of Tampa on rescue operations after Helene

5:09 am

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office rescued a stranded girl from flooding after she became stranded.

HCSO water rescue of a stranded teenager

4:56 p.m

According to PowerOutage.us. Over a million Floridians are currently without power.

4:31am

Clearwater Beach reports severe flooding.

4:25am

Clearwater Fire and Rescue is conducting a flood rescue after Helene.

4:16am

In the wake of Helene, many Florida residents are experiencing flooding in their neighborhoods from nighttime storm surges. Officials are now carrying out water rescue operations for stranded people.

Helene was downgraded to a Category 1 storm early Friday morning as it continues north toward Georgia.

Pasco Deputies Water Rescue

Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

1:58am

Storm surge in Citrus County is still flooding roads. Officials are urging drivers to avoid driving on roads with standing water.

1:35am

Trees and branches throughout the Big Bend area.

Trees and branches throughout the Big Bend area.

1:25am

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has listed several roads closed due to flooding. Drivers should avoid the following:

• 50th Street and Causeway
• 56th St and Adamo
• W North Branch Rd
• S US Highway 301 and Hannaway Dr
• US Highway 41 from Kracker Ave to Palm Ave

1:20am

Clearwater Fire and Rescue is preparing crews to rescue people with medical issues on Clearwater Beach.

1:15am

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is preparing johnboats for rescue operations along US 19. PCSO said about 40 people have already been rescued from the rising floodwaters.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is preparing johnboats for rescue operations along US 19.

1:10am

The video shows the storm surge on the Manatee River along Baracarotta Blvd and 1st Ave. Photo credit: Bradenton Police Department

The video shows the storm surge on the Manatee River along Baracarotta Blvd and 1st Ave. Photo credit: Bradenton Police Department

1:00 am

Photos show flooding along the US-19 corridor.

PCSO

PCSO

12:50 p.m

The Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant in St. Petersburg is now offline. Residents and businesses north of 30th Avenue N and east of I-275/Haines Rd will be affected. Resumption of plant operations will take at least 48 hours. The drinking water supply has not been shut off and running water is still available.

The City of St. Pete has issued the following guidelines for residents in the affected area:

NOT:

• Drain water from sinks, tubs, or toilets as this can cause sewage to flow back into homes
• Flush toilets
• Use showers or bathtubs
• Use dishwashers
• Use washing machines

DO:

• Refill water bottles to brush your teeth outdoors or over a container

12:45 a.m

Tracking Hurricane Helene conditions in Tallahassee.

Tracking hurricane conditions from Tallahassee

12:35 p.m

Floodwaters are moving quickly through Hudson toward US 19.

Floodwaters move quickly through Hudson

12:14 a.m

St. Pete residents say they have never seen flooding like this.

Residents say they have never seen water levels this high

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Thursday, September 26th

11:56 p.m

Several roads were closed throughout the Tampa Bay area due to flooding. Avoid the following:

• US 19 in Pasco County from Main St to Grand Blvd and from Main St to River Gulf Rd
• Hillsborough Ave and Memorial Highway/Sheldon Rd in Hillsborough County
• 108th Avenue in Treasure Island
• S Spring St/ Lemon St and S Pinellas Ave at Apricot Ct in Tarpon Springs
• Palma Sola Causeway in Bradenton

11:45 p.m

Views from Tampa General Hospital show the parking garage inundated by floodwaters. Video credit: Nikala Van Nortwick

Video shows flooding at Tampa General Hospital

11:26 p.m

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Taylor Co, Florida, approximately 10 miles WSW of Perry, FL, as a Category 4 with winds of 140 mph.

This story is developing and will be updated as we receive more information.

WFTS

“This is the worst thing I’ve ever seen”
Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented storm surge in areas of Tampa Bay.

Residents say they have never seen water levels this high