Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, has brought heavy rainfall and flooding to Southwest Florida. Streets are underwater, and residents are urged to stay indoors as water levels continue rising. The Weather Authority is providing comprehensive coverage of Hurricane Helene’s impact on the state.
#Helene is the 4th US Gulf Coast landfalling #hurricane of 2024 (Beryl, Debby, Francine). Only 5 other years on record (since 1851) have had 4+ Gulf hurricane landfalls: 1886, 1909, 1985, 2005, 2020. pic.twitter.com/Y3nqGzNfAx
— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) September 27, 2024
The storm initially struck northern Florida but has indirectly caused severe weather conditions in the southwest region. The Fort Myers Police Department reported several rescues of stranded residents and animals. A family on First Street and a man and his dog were saved from rising waters.
#Hurricane #Helene has made landfall with a minimum pressure of 938 hPa – the lowest pressure for a landfalling hurricane in Florida since Michael (2018, 919 hPa).
— Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) September 27, 2024
The Point of Pines community in Englewood is particularly affected, with emergency services using rescue boats to assist neighbors. North Fort Myers experienced strong winds that blew the roof off a home on Palm Creek Road. Southwest Florida International Airport has resumed most of its normal operations following the hurricane’s impact.
The eye wall of #Helene is moving onshore now.
TAKE COVER NOW! Treat these imminent, extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to the safe room in your shelter. Take action now to protect your life! pic.twitter.com/3IoCB5kDjb
— National Weather Service (@NWS) September 27, 2024
However, the Lee County Electric Cooperative continues to report widespread power outages. Several major roads have been closed, with some partially reopened. Cleveland Avenue (US 41) had closures due to a downed powerline, but some sections have reopened.
Once #Helene hits, you may be without power or even cell service, so thinking about what to do after the storm has moved on is so important. These are just a few tips, but think about what you and your family may need to be considering after the storm. pic.twitter.com/YEjbavcdLC
— National Weather Service (@NWS) September 27, 2024
McGregor Boulevard is closed between Port Comfort Road and the Sanibel Toll Plaza. The Cape Coral Parkway has reopened between the Cape Coral Bridge and Palm Tree Boulevard. The Caloosahatchee Bridge has reopened, but the Edison Bridge remains closed.
Hurricane Helene’s impact and recovery
The Matlacha Bridge recently reopened with deputies managing traffic flow. In South Lee County, water levels have receded on Hickory and Imperial Shores, but roads remain unsafe due to debris and downed power lines.
West Terry and Harbor Drive side streets have approximately 1 ft of standing water, making them impassable. Assessments are ongoing for San Carlos Blvd toward Fort Myers Beach, but the area is deemed unsafe for travel. The Sanibel Causeway is closed for debris removal but is expected to reopen at noon.
The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District is equipped with high-water vehicles to respond to emergencies. Charlotte County officials have urged residents to stay off roads due to significant flooding and storm surge. The Interstate 75 northbound exit ramp to Harbor View is closed due to flooding.
All roads in downtown Punta Gorda are currently closed. The U.S. 41 bridge over the Peace River is closed due to flooding. Beach Road in Englewood is closed from State Road 776 to the county line.
Gilcrest Park and nearby areas are experiencing flooding with storm drains overflowing. Police and emergency services are actively responding to flooding reports and ensuring no one is on hazardous streets. Residents are highly encouraged to remain indoors and avoid flooded roads to ensure their safety during this severe weather event.
Updates will be provided as conditions change.
- Live5News.”CLOSINGS & CANCELLATIONS: Schools, facilities and businesses preparing for Helene’s impact”.
- Local12.”SchoolWatch for Friday, Sept. 27 – Helene’s impact”.
- WINKNews.”SWFL roads closed due to impacts from Tropical Storm Helene”.