Death Count from Hurricane Helene Storm Surge a Tough Lesson on Evacuations

Widespread flooding from Hurricane Helene storm surge on Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota County, September 27, 2024. Courtesy, Sarasota County

September 27, 2024 PM Update – Rescue and recovery efforts continue tonight throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast counties, following Hurricane Helene’s landfall last night (Thursday) as a major Category 4 hurricane.  At least seven Floridians were killed in the storm, among the 40 people dead in four states.  On the Florida fatalities, five died in St. Petersburg.  The failure of people to evacuate, as we mentioned in yesterday’s Hurricane Update, unfortunately played a role.   Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said residents who stayed in their homes ended up fleeing to their attics to escape the rising flood waters from the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. 

“We tried to launch boats, we tried to use high-water vehicles and we just met with too many obstacles,” Gualtieri told reporters.  He warns the death toll could rise as search and rescue crews go door-to-door in the flooded areas.  Another person was hit by a falling sign in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood and another was killed when a tree fell onto a home in Dixie County.

Flooding and house fires confronted South Pasadena firefighters and Pinellas Sheriff’s deputies during overnight rescue operations, September 27, 2024. Courtesy, City of South Pasadena

Hurricane Helene made landfall at 11:10 pm yesterday near Dekle Beach in rural Taylor County in the Big Bend, about 10 miles from inland Perry.  It came ashore as a full Cat 4 storm, with a maximum wind speed of140 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.  It’s the third time in 13 months that Taylor County has been hit by a hurricane, following Debby last month and Idalia in August 2023.

In rural Madison, Florida, Helene’s next stop before moving into Georgia, the images are impressive.  A large warehouse had almost all of its roof blown off.  Several homes fell victim to large trees falling in the high winds.  A communications tower fell, and road and utility crews had their hands full clearing debris from roadways.   Search and rescue operations have been in full force throughout the five-county area of Helene’s path through Taylor, Dixie, Lafayette, Suwannee, Madison, and Hamilton counties.  Power outages covered almost the entirety of those five counties.  Other areas along the Gulf Coast were also without power from last night through today.

Florida Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie stressed this first 24 hours after the storm is devoted to search and rescue.  The next 48 hours will be for “search, secure, and stabilize” structures and any lingering hazards.  He said more than 1,500 search and rescue personnel are in highly impacted areas.

“When you have a major hurricane, it’s not something that’s done in six weeks,” Governor DeSantis said at a morning news conference, sympathizing with the thrice-struck Taylor County residents.  “To have something even bigger than those two storms cause a lot of damage, it is a sense of trauma for the community.  I think there’s a demoralization.”  The Governor thanked first responders for answering the calls for help from last night through daybreak this morning and beyond in impacted communities around Florida.

The biggest story of Hurricane Helene in Florida is clearly the storm surge.  Preliminary post-landfall modeling of storm surge by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), aided by first-hand observations, shows that Charlotte and Sarasota counties saw storm surge of 4-5 feet above ground level.  Farther north in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, the heart of the Tampa Bay area, storm surge met predictions of 6-8 feet.  But the hardest hit areas were farther north up the coast toward the hurricane’s landfall.  NHC meteorologists report storm surge exceeded 15 feet in Cedar Key, Keaton Beach, and well inland in portions of Taylor and Dixie counties.  In fact, it was so bad, that one of the NHC’s storm surge gauges in Steinhatchee was swept away.

A flattened building in downtown Steinhatchee from Hurricane Helene, September 27, 2024

Rainfall from Hurricane Helene was 6-12 inches in the Big Bend of Florida, with over a foot of rainfall in Apalachicola and portions of Gulf and Liberty counties.  Farther south, along the Gulf Coast, rainfall amounts were 4-5 inches.

River Levels will remain a concern over the next week.  Officials are worried that river levels in the Big Bend, specifically the Apalachicola and Chattahoochee Rivers will continue to rise, as Georgia’s heavy rains drain south over the next 7 days.  The biggest area of concern though is the Ochlockonee, Sopchoppy, and Chipola Rivers, west and south of Tallahassee, where officials will try to compensate by dam releases.  The flash flood risk for Florida and the Southeast is shown in the chart below.

Impacts & Response: Just south of Helene’s Taylor County landfall in Hernando County, power along U.S. Highway 19 has been out all day.  Numerous marinas were turned inside out with the storm surge with reports of “boats everywhere.”  About 1,500 homes had water up to their roof gutters from the storm surge.  They were all older single-story homes and built under pre-1990’s code.   Numerous water rescues were conducted as well as door-to-door wellness checks but thankfully there are no reports of serious injuries or deaths.

Farther south in Pinellas County, officials estimated more than 30,000 structures impacted with some level of surge.  About 750 are deemed “major damage.”  After being swamped with waters from the Old Tampa Bay, DOT by mid-morning had gotten all three causeways back in operation from Pinellas to Hillsborough County.  Nearly the entire length of Gulf Boulevard, the main north-south road along Pinellas County’s barrier beaches, was covered with sand and debris.  County officials have been working with the few hotels that weren’t swamped to serve as shelters for local flooded residents.  One county official said they received quite a few calls from barrier island residents seeking evacuation too late, after the bridges were closed down yesterday evening.

Across the bay in Hillsborough, it’s much the same story.  “Our rescue teams are currently working hard in the field to save lives,” Hillsborough County Emergency Management Director Timothy Dudley told reporters.  “Unfortunately, many people did not heed our order to evacuate Zone A, and they have left themselves in a very dangerous situation.  As forecasted, the storm surge reached 5 to 8 feet at various locations throughout Hillsborough County, and the danger is not over yet.”

Down the coast in Manatee County, preliminary estimates are 385 homes destroyed, with another hundred or so with lesser degrees of damage, plus 45 businesses impacted by flooding from storm surge.

Further south in Sarasota County, officials are still assessing the various impacts but so far have hundreds of homes impacted by flooding.  This is the same county that saw serious flooding from August’s Hurricane Debby on its way to landfall further up the Gulf Coast – and most had no flood insurance.  Before Helene hit, Sarasota County called for the evacuation of about 120,000 residents.  As of yesterday (Thursday) morning, there were about 250 people in shelters as emergency officials encouraged the remainder to leave town.  One emergency manager told me then there’s a common mindset among the public that Helene will have just a tropical storm impact.  Perhaps with wind, but not with water as it sadly turned out.

Flooding in coastal Sarasota County from Hurricane Helene, September 27, 2024. Courtesy, Sarasota PD

In Tallahassee and Leon County, a big sigh of relief tonight.  While Helene passed about 50 miles southeast of Tallahassee, it still caused widespread damage but of a relatively minor nature.  Thankfully, no deaths or serious injuries have been reported.  About half of city residents had their power knocked-out by the storm and tonight, there are about 18,000 currently without electricity.  By midday, crews had cleared more than 100 blocked roads from downed trees and other debris.  Damage is described as generally light – a great surprise and relief to many residents.  A few trees are down here and there but no major damage reported.  Loss of electric power during the storm was predicted and materialized.  Tallahassee International Airport resumed operations at 6am with city bus service resuming at 2pm.  The county will be maintaining an open shelter to handle not only local residents, but also those from neighboring coastal Wakulla and Franklin counties.

My colleague that I mentioned in last night’s Hurricane Update who was planning on sleep right next to her front door to be able to make a ready escape should her big 100 year-old oak tree fall?  While she heard the wind and branches falling from trees last night into this morning, none struck her house.  We’re happy to share that the big tree is still standing.  

Statewide, up to 1.25 million people were left without power during Helene’s approach and after landfall.  Late this afternoon, about 830,000 homes and businesses were without power.  Several counties are assessing their short-term and long-term shelter needs.  In the area of landfall, people left the shelters this morning to check on damage to their homes, but many were expected to return to shelters this evening.  As for the rest of the impacted area, Interstate 10 and Interstate 75 were also open this morning.  The state Department of Transportation is doing its typical bridge inspections, looking for damage, and otherwise spent the first of what will likely be a few days of “cut and toss” efforts by work crews to clear debris from roads. 

A complete listing of the state’s response efforts is at the end of this report.

The National Weather Service’s experimental Flood Hazard Outlook (FHO) provides a graphic display to alert inland areas to potential flash-flooding and river impacts over the next 7-day period.  You can view the FHO product below, as of 4pm today.  You can access updates here.

Insured Losses: One reinsurance analytics firm today said it expects primary insurance companies to bear most of the losses from Hurricane Helene, which will likely not exceed $10 billion.  Indeed, Helene did make landfall in a sparsely populated area.  But (again) the storm’s actual impacts are expected to extend far landfall.  

Locke Burt, CEO of Security First Insurance, told the Tampa Bay Times Thursday that insurance losses from Helene should be between $2 billion and $4 billion.  “This is not going to be a major test” of the industry, Burt said.  “It’s hitting in a place in Florida where very few people live.”

Gallagher Re Analytics on Wednesday released a Hurricane Commentary with a preliminary analysis on the impacts from Helene.  The global reinsurance broker said Helene could generate $3 billion to $6 billion in private insurance losses and another $1 billion in National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and crop insurance claims. 

“Landfall in the Big Bend or Panhandle region of Florida as a major hurricane (Category 3, 4, or 5) has historically translated to insured losses in the low single-digit billions,” the analysis said.  “But Helene is not a typical storm.  Given Helene’s very large wind radius, this would still bring hurricane-force wind gusts and high storm surge to coastal areas in the heavily populated Tampa Bay area, tropical storm force winds across most of the Florida peninsula, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee and southern Appalachia.  This initially suggests that Helene’s private insurance market losses should be expected to land in the range of ($3 billion to $6 billion).  This is subject to change.  Additional losses attributed to the National Flood Insurance Program and the USDA’s (U.S. Department of Agriculture’s) crop insurance program may approach ($1 billion).”

Others claims adjusting firms and analytics experts are warning that the storm could be more damaging than other recent storms that hit the same area.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) Tuesday issued a Notice to Industry on Hurricane Preparedness and Claims Handling.  It highlights important regulatory requirements and best practices to ensure efficient and proper claims handling pursuant to Florida law.  It includes a section on insurance companies implementing their claims-handling manuals.  Companies are required to acknowledge receipt of a claim within seven calendar days. Insurers must then make a claim determination within 60 days of receiving notice of a claim, notwithstanding a delay caused by factors beyond the control of the insurer.  It also includes handy reminders of preparedness measures within the insurance company.

Some Historical Perspective: Robert Ritchie, President & CEO of American Integrity Insurance, headquartered in Tampa, says in all of recorded history, there has never been a Category 4 hurricane to make landfall in Taylor, Wakulla, or Leon counties.  However, these areas have been impacted by strong hurricanes over the years, although typically at reduced intensities by the time they reach the region.

Leon County, where Tallahassee is located, is inland and more likely to experience weaker hurricanes or tropical storms by the time they move inland from the coast.  Leon County has been affected by hurricanes, but they are often downgraded by the time they reach the area due to distance from the coastline.  Taylor County, which is on the Gulf Coast, has been impacted by hurricanes Debby and Idalia as we mentioned, but has never received a Cat 4 storm.  Other hurricanes like Hermine (2016, Category 1) have affected Taylor County.

Historically, Hurricane Michael (2018) passed east of Leon County as a Category 3 storm but made its most direct impact in the Florida Panhandle to the west, near Mexico Beach.  The storm still caused significant damage in inland areas like Leon County due to wind and rain impacts.

The Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend area have experienced a noticeable increase in hurricane activity in recent years due to several key factors, according to Mr. Ritchie:

1. Climate Change and Warmer Ocean Waters – Warmer sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are one of the primary reasons for stronger and more frequent hurricanes. Hurricanes draw energy from warm water, and the Gulf has experienced above-average temperatures in recent years. This increased heat provides more fuel for storms to develop and intensify quickly.   
2. Natural Climate Cycles – The Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation (AMO) is a climate cycle that affects sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic. Since the 1990s, the AMO has been in a warm phase, contributing to more active hurricane seasons in the Atlantic Basin, which includes the Gulf of Mexico.   
3. Changes in Atmospheric Patterns – Shifts in large-scale atmospheric patterns, such as high-pressure systems and the position of the jet stream, can guide hurricanes toward the Gulf Coast, including the Panhandle and Big Bend region. When the steering currents are positioned in a way that favors landfall in these areas, hurricanes are more likely to impact them.   
4. Geographic Vulnerability – The Big Bend and Panhandle regions are highly vulnerable due to their geography. The Gulf of Mexico often acts as a “trap” for storms, funneling hurricanes toward this region, especially when atmospheric conditions guide storms in this direction.   
5. La Niña and El Niño Cycles – During La Niña years, there is less wind shear over the Atlantic and Gulf, which allows hurricanes to form and intensify more easily. This leads to more active hurricane seasons. In recent years, La Niña conditions have contributed to an uptick in hurricane activity.

Recent Examples:

– Hurricane Michael (2018) struck the Panhandle near Mexico Beach as a Category 5 storm.

– Hurricane Idalia (2023) impacted the Big Bend area as a Category 3 hurricane, causing significant damage in the region.

Overall, these factors combine to make the Panhandle and Big Bend regions more susceptible to hurricanes in recent years. The changing climate, warm Gulf waters, and natural variability in weather patterns have all played a role in the increase in storm frequency and intensity.

As a final word tonight on Hurricane Helene, this warning from the National Weather Service: “Historic, catastrophic, and life-threatening flash and urban flooding, including numerous significant landslides, will continue across portions of the Southern Appalachians through this evening.  Widespread significant river flooding is ongoing, some of which will be major to record-breaking.”

Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Updates for the very latest state disaster management information.  That includes a complete list of statewide evacuation orders and a list and current status of shelters.  You can also review our past Hurricane Updates and subscribe to receive future updates in your inbox.

This is our 4th and final Hurricane Update on Helene.  We produce these updates as a service to catastrophe professionals.  We have received tremendous positive feedback from so many of you, relying on our “boots on the ground” updates spanning the emergency management response, critical insurance claims information, and multi-county disaster recovery progress.  It has been a privilege to connect with our followers and supporters.  We’ll continue reporting on the disaster recovery effort in our bi-monthly LMA Newsletter resuming next week, and hope you’ll subscribe if you haven’t already.  In the meantime, we are a phone call or an email away…always!  Please stay safe in the field!

Lisa & the LMA team

(Here’s the latest news from the Governor’s Office on specific state response actions and a list of mobilized resources:)

State Response Efforts

• The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 on Tuesday, September 24, and is leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team. 
• The State Emergency Response Team is engaged in over 1,500 missions to assist counties in their preparation efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like staging response resources, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
• There are 35,000 shelf-stable meals staged near the anticipated area of storm impact, ready to deploy for response.
• Seven Urban search and rescue task forces are deployed.
• The Florida National Guard (FLNG) has mobilized nearly 3,900 Soldiers and Airmen in preparation for Hurricane Helene.
• The FLNG has rescued 30 residents throughout the impacted area. We have mobilized 15 route clearing teams and have 13 rotary wing aircraft prepared to provide SAR and/or damage assessment support. Mississippi is providing an additional 3 rotary wing aircraft later today.
• The FLNG is providing logistics support, law enforcement support, route clearance, search and rescue, commodity distribution, flood mitigation, aviation and other support as needed by the state.
• The Florida State Guard (FSG) is standing by with the following:
  • 250+ Soldiers ready to deploy.
  • 10 shallow water vessel boat teams
  • 7 flat-bottom-flood rescue skiffs
  • 2 amphibious rescue vehicles
  • 2 K-9 search and rescue teams
  • 12 UTV’s
  • 15 Cut and toss crews
  • 7 search and rescue teams
  • 2 UH-60 Blackhawk for daytime aerial assessment and logistics missions
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Mutual Aid team is coordinating law enforcement missions including search and rescue and fuel for first responders.
• FDLE is conducting a status call with DMS to ensure State SLERS radio communications systems are operative for law enforcement.  
• FDLE’s Criminal Justice Information Services received permission from the FBI to allow law enforcement agencies to perform criminal history queries on behalf of emergency shelters to determine the suitability of shelter staff who may care for vulnerable populations (children, the elderly, the disabled).
• FDLE’s aviation team is ready to assist impacted counties.
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has more than 100 officers and support staff responding to areas of Florida impacted by Hurricane Helene.
• 72 FWC officers have deployed from South Florida with specialized equipment, including:
  • 6 Airboats
  • 14 Shallow draft boats
  • ATVs/Side-by-sides
  • 71 high-water capable four-wheel drive vehicles
  • 3 aerial surveillance drones
  • 12 high-water capable swamp buggies/Fat Truck/UTVs
  • 4 SOG support trailers
  • 4 BERG self-sustainment container units
  • 4 Hygiene trailers
  • 2 Mobile command units
  • 6 Generators
  • 2 Water trailers
  • 1 Fuel trailer
  • 1 Skid Steer/Cut Crew
• The main deployment force has broken up into smaller strike teams to quickly and efficiently address immediate needs in coastal communities and areas inland in the direct path of the storm.
• 18 FWC officers from the NW Region are responding to western areas of the impacted area.
• Two Special Operations Group (SOG) teams, each comprised of 8 officers, from the Panhandle mobilized to serve as a force multiplier for deployed personnel and are responding to mission requests in coastal areas on the west side of the storm’s path.
• A team of five officers from the Southwest region is assisting Pasco County law enforcement with high water evacuations due to storm surge conditions.
• FWC captive wildlife investigators are assessing captive wildlife facilities in the path to provide assistance to permitees as needed.
• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has over 2,100 FDOT team members working directly on storm response.
• Damage assessment teams are active in the field and are surveying impacts.
• 61 Cut and Toss crews have worked since 3 a.m. and have now completely cleared I-10.
• Cut and Toss Operations: 470 crews are active in the field and have already cleared over 2,000 miles of roadway.
• 129 Bridge Inspectors have been dispatched in the field & have begun performing inspections to open bridges across the impact areas.
• Assessments of traffic signals are underway.
• FDOT Secretary issued FDOT Emergency Order on September 23, 2024.
  • FDOT has lifted weight restrictions and is allowing bypass of weigh stations for emergency response vehicles, including utility vehicles staging for rapid response.
• FDOT’s Post-Storm Statewide Response Efforts Include:   
  • Road Ranger service has been expanded to assist motorists along critical roadways. 
  • Resources deployed in the field or available as needed:  
    • Over 858 generators 
    • Nearly 49 pumps 
    • Over 314 pieces of heavy equipment and trucks 
    • 43 Drone team members staged to make assessments where needed 
    • 5 ITS trailers
• FDOT encourages drivers to download the FL511 app or visit FL511.com for road/bridge closures and potential detours that may be activated.
• Remember to never drive through flooded areas. The area of the roadway beneath the water may be washed out or may conceal debris or even power lines. Turn Around; Don’t Drown. 

Transportation Modes
Seaports

• Port Panama City, Port of Port St. Joe, Port Tampa Bay, SeaPort Manatee, Port St. Pete, Port of Fernandina, and JAXPORT are closed waterside while awaiting Coast Guard Channel survey.

Airports

• The following airports have reopened:
  • Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) has reopened.
  • Tampa International Airport (TPA) has reopened.
  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) has reopened.
  • Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL)
• The following airports are working to resume air operations:
  • St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
• Some flight cancellations or delays are being reported. Check with airlines directly on specific flight updates.

Rail

• Passenger Rail: 
  • Amtrak is assessing damages. Please check with Amtrak directly for service impacts.
  • SunRail service has resumed with some service delays due to power outages.
• Freight Rail:
  • Railroads in the impacted areas are assessing damage and conducting inspections.

Transit

• Transit agencies in the impacted areas are assessing damage and road conditions.
• The following transit providers have the following schedule modifications:
  • Service Suspended: Lakeland Area Mass Transit (Citrus Connection), Manatee County Area Transit, Sarasota County Area (Breeze) Transit, Lee County (LeeTran), Charlotte County, Collier County Area Transit (CAT),  Stream (Hendry/Glades County), Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA) Skyway and St. Johns River Ferry, Suwannee Valley Transit Authority (Columbia, Suwanee, Hamilton Counties), Suwannee Economic Regional Council (Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Union Counties), St. Johns County (Sunshine Line), Bay County (Bayway), Tallahassee StarMetro, Okaloosa County, Big Bend Transit, Wakulla County Transit, Jackson County (JTrans), Calhoun County Transit, Liberty County Transit, Gulf County ARC, Tri-County Community Council (Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa Counties), LYNX, Marion County Transit, Key West Lower Key Shuttle, Hillsborough County (HART), Pasco County, Hernando County (The Bus), Citrus County, Pinellas County (PSTA), Mid-Florida Community Services (Hernando County).

State-Owned Roads Closures (As of 6:30 a.m., 9/27/24) 
State Road closures listed below. For real-time updates, Check FL511.com. 
Bridge Closures

• Sunshine Skyway
• Northbound Howard Frankland
• Courtney Campbell Causeway
• Eastbound Gandy Bridge

Alachua County

• Debris on Roadway on SR-45 Northbound at Jay Bird Nest. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on NW US-441 Southbound near NE Old Sr-2. All lanes closed.
• Object on roadway in Alachua County on I-75 North, before Columbia County. Right lane blocked.
• Debris on Roadway on NW 34th Blvd Northbound at NW 24th Ter. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-222 Both Directions from NE 27th Ave to NE 52nd St. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-26 Eastbound at NW 110th Dr. All lanes closed.
• Object on roadway in Alachua County on SR-26 / Newberry Rd East, at NW 66th St. 2 Right lanes blocked.
• Object on roadway on I-75 South, before MM 401. Right lane blocked

  Charlotte County

• Flooding on E Olympia Ave Eastbound at Nesbit St. All lanes closed.
• Flooding on E Marion Ave Westbound at Cooper St. All lanes closed.
• Flooding on US-41 North, before West Marion Ave. All lanes closed.
• Flooding on US-17 East, at Nesbit St. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding on US-17 West, at Cooper St. All lanes closed.
• Flooding on McCall Rd Northbound at Myakka River. All lanes closed.
• High Winds on Tamiami Trl Southbound at Main St. All lanes closed.
• High Winds on Tamiami Trl Northbound at Harborside Ave. All lanes closed.

Citrus County

• Flooding in Citrus County on US-19 South, at Citrus Ave.

Columbia County

• Debris on Roadway on SR-247 Both Directions at Oyster Shell Lane. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-47 Both Directions at US-41. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-47 Both Directions at SW Ace Ln. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on US-441 Both Directions at NE Sunny Brook St. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on S US Highway 441 Both Directions at CR-18. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-47 Both Directions near SW Herlong St. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on US-90 Both Directions at SW Birley Ave. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-247 Northbound at SW Bascom Norris Dr. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on US-441 Northbound at NE Howard St. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on US-441 Both Directions at NW Ernest Greene Gln. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-10A Westbound at US-41. All lanes closed
• Debris on Roadway on SR-247 Both Directions at SW Tamarack Loop. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-47 Both Directions near CR-240. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-47 Both Directions at SW Marvin Burnett Rd. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on US-441 Both Directions from I-10 Eastbound to Georgia State Line. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-100 Both Directions at SE Douglas Rd. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-247 Both Directions at SW Norris Ave. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-247 Both Directions at SW Dairy St. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-47 Both Directions at SW Watson Rd. All lanes closed.

Gadsden County

• Debris on Roadway on US-27 near Azalea Trl. 1 Right Lane Affected.

   

Gulf County 

• Flooding on W Highway 98 Both Directions from Avenue A to Avenue B. All lanes closed. 

Hamilton County

• Object on roadway in Hamilton County on I-75 South, before MM 459.

Hillsborough County 

• Flooding on I-275 South, beyond SR-60. 
• Flooding on SR-60 East, at Ramp from Bayport Dr. 
• Flooding on SR-60 West, at Rocky Point Dr. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding on SR-618 West, ramp to 22nd St.
• Flooding on SR-618 East, at 22nd St. 
• Flooding on US-41 North, at Symmes Rd.
• Flooding on US-41 South, beyond Alice Ave/Gibsonton Dr.
• Flooding on SR-600/Gandy Blvd East, at Manhattan Ave. 
• Flooding on SR-600/Gandy Blvd West, at Manhattan Ave.
• Flooding on US-41 South, beyond 19th Ave NE.
• Flooding on US-41 North, beyond SR-674 (College Ave). 
• Flooding on SR-600/Gandy Blvd East, at Westshore Blvd.
• Flooding on SR-600/Gandy Blvd West, at Westshore Blvd.

Jackson County

• Flooding on SR-71 All Directions near Caverns Rd. All lanes closed.

Jefferson County

• Object on roadway on I-10 East, at MM 234 (Rest Area). Off-ramp closed, Right lane blocked.
• Object on roadway on I-10 West, at MM 216. Right lane blocked. 

Lafayette County

• Debris on Roadway on E US 27 Northbound near CR-450. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on S Sr 51 Both Directions at SW Van Buren Rd. All lanes closed.

Lee County 

• Flooding on US-41 Business South, before First Street. Two right lanes blocked. 
• Flooding on US-41 Business North, at Edison Bridge. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding on Edison Bridge Northbound 0.48 Miles Beyond 2nd St. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding on SR-80 / First St West, before Park Avenue. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding in Lee County on SR-865/ San Carlos Blvd North, at Matanzas Pass Bridge. All lanes closed.  
• Flooding in Lee County on SR-865/ San Carlos Blvd South, at Matanzas Pass Bridge. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding on US-41 North, before Caloosahatchee Bridge. All lanes closed.
• Flooding on US-41 South, beyond N Key Dr.. All lanes closed.

Leon County

• Object on roadway on I-10 West, at MM 196. Right lane blocked.
• Object on roadway on I-10 West, at MM 212. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding on SR-263 South, at Gum Road. Right lane blocked.
• Debris on Roadway on Mahan Dr Westbound near Edenfield Rd. All Lanes Affected.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-363 Both Directions near Marpan Ln. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on Woodville Hwy Both Directions near Oak Ridge Rd E. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on US-319 Southbound near Cherokee Plantation Rd. 1 Left lane closed.

Levy County

• Debris on Roadway on SR-345 Both Directions near NW 53rd Ln.
• Debris on Roadway on US-129 Northbound at NW 130th St. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-24 Both Directions near NE 92nd Pl. All lanes closed.
• Debris on Roadway on SR-345 Both Directions at SE 4th St. All lanes closed.

Manatee County

• Flooding in on SR-684 / Cortez Rd W East, at Gulf Dr. N (SR-789). 
• Flooding on SR-684 / Cortez Rd W West, at Gulf Dr N (SR-789). All lanes closed.
• Flooding on SR-64 / Manatee Ave East, at Gulf Dr.. All lanes closed.
• Flooding on SR-64 / Manatee Ave West, at Gulf Dr.. All lanes closed.
• Flooding on SR-64 / Manatee Ave East, before 15th St. W. 
• Flooding on SR-64 / Manatee Ave West, beyond 15th St. W.
• Flooding on US-41 Business North, at 3rd Ave W. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding on US-41 Business South, at 4th St W. All lanes closed.
• Flooding on 9th St Northbound at 3rd Ave W. All lanes closed.
• High Winds on 8th Ave Southbound at 3rd St Dr W. All lanes closed.

Pinellas County

• Flooding on Edgewater Dr Southbound from President St to Locklie St. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding on S Pinellas Ave Southbound at Meres Blvd. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding on I-275 North, beyond 4th St N.  
• Flooding on SR-600/Gandy Blvd East, beyond MM 3. 
• Flooding on I-275 South, ramp to 54th Ave S.
• Flooding on SR-688 East, beyond Roosevelt Blvd N.
• Flooding on SR-688 West, before Roosevelt Blvd N.

Sarasota County

• Flooding on SR-789 North, at Sunset Drive. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding on SR-789 South, at Sunset Drive. All lanes closed. 
• Flooding on US-41 North, before River Rd.
• Object on roadway on SR-72/ Stickney Point Rd East, beyond US-41. Right lane blocked.

• The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365 for virtual care and tele-emergency care and support to Veterans enrolled for VA Health Care in Florida. 1-877-741-3400. Visit https://department.va.gov/integrated-service-networks/visn-08 for more information. 
• Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veterans’ Domiciliary Home in Lake City lost power is currently on generator.  
• Baldomero Lopez State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes are without telephone and internet.
• Volunteer Florida: Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers. The number is 833-514-2940
• Samaritan’s Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234 Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster. Volunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work & Debris Clean-up, temporary roof tarping.
  • 2-1-1 is open and ready to receive calls. Individuals can call for up-to-the-
  • Red Cross Hotline is open to assist: 1-800-Red Cross
  • Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text Helene to 27123. Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster. Volunteers may be able to assist with Storm Debris Cleanup, Temporary Roof Tarping, Chainsaw work, and muckouts.
  • Crisis Cleanup number: 844-965-1386

Health and Human Services

• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is tracking APD-licensed group homes in impacted areas to ensure client safety from Hurricane Helene. APD will provide necessary guidance for re-entry when it is appropriate to do so.
• The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) is deploying over 460 emergency response vehicles. Staging is currently in Leon, Liberty, Osceola, and Pinellas counties.
• DOH has Special Needs Shelters available in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. A press release has been sent statewide for additional information on special needs shelters. To find a shelter near you, please visit the county emergency management page here.
• DOH and the Agency for Health Care Administration initiated Patient Movement Mission to support medical transport and evacuations of health care facilities.
• The State Surgeon General signed Emergency Order 24-002, which:  
  • Waives competitive procurement requirements in order to procure commodities, goods, and services expeditiously in response to the emergency. 
  • Permits emergency medical transportation services to operate across county lines.
  • Permits Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Medical Directors, as defined by Chapter 401, Florida Statutes, licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or districts to practice in Florida in response to the emergency without penalty.
  • Authorizes a reporting extension for the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.
  • Authorizes an extension of the upcoming licensure renewal deadlines for Nursing Home Administrators, Radiological Personnel, and Athletic Trainers until October 31, 2024.  
• DOH and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) sent information regarding early prescription refills permitted under Executive Order 24-209. This information was sent to the public, health insurers, managed care organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy chains, and health care providers.  
• The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has activated reporting in the Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS) and has requested that all health care providers report their census, available beds, evacuation status, and generator status information. This information allows AHCA to assist health care providers in transferring patients if needed and ensure that health care providers in impacted areas have the necessary resources and adequate power.
• AHCA made more than 540 provider calls for Hurricane Helene preparation ahead of landfall.
• As of this morning, 98 health care facilities have reported evacuations. This includes:
  • 46 assisted living facilities
  • 27 nursing homes
  • 8 hospitals
  • 1 hospital emergency department
  • 10 residential treatment facilities
  • 3 residential treatment centers for children and adolescents
  • 2 adult family care home, and 1 intermediate care facility for developmentally disabled
• 100% of operating long-term care facilities have a generator on-site. The Generator Status Map for long-term care facilities is available here.
• As of this morning, there are 54 health care facilities on generator power across the state. This includes:
  • 5 hospitals
  • 26 assisted living facilities
  • 17 nursing homes.
  • 1 adult family care home
  • 1 hospice
  • 1 hospital emergency department
  • 3 intermediate care facility for the developmentally disabled
• The Agency has waived all prior authorization requirements for critical Medicaid services until further notice.
• Agency has loaded additional clients into E-PLUS shelters for Encounter Notification Service alerting: 441 individuals checked into 17 shelters since last night.

Infrastructure, Roads and State Closures

• The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) removed abandoned or disabled vehicles left along roadways ahead of storm arrival.
• FHP cut teams and FDOT road clearing teams are ready to provide aid to areas impacted by the storm.
• FHP mobilized drone assets to help assess post-storm damage and assist with rescue and recovery efforts in areas impacted by the storm.
• FHP staged fixed-wing aircrafts to assist with damage assessment, rescue, and recovery efforts in areas impacted by the storm.
• FHP Troopers are assisting with escorting critical restoration and recovery vehicles from around the state to areas impacted by the storm.
• FHP is mobilizing Quick Response Force team members to deploy to affected areas of Florida to assist with recovery efforts.
• FHP is working 10 missions in support of recovery efforts.
• Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued Emergency Order 24-05, in support of Executive Order 24-209 which: waives specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles providing emergency relief; and waives the replacement fees for driver’s license and identification credentials, vehicle registrations and titles, vessel registrations and titles and temporary parking permits for impacted individuals.
• The Department of Children and Families (DCF) will begin the process of ensuring all children and families served are safe and to determine needs.
• The HOPE LINE has been activated at 8 a.m. today to assist those in need of resources or other assistance after the storm. It is now available 24/7 for the next two-plus weeks at 833-GET-HOPE.
• DCF has begun contacting all licensed providers in impacted areas to check for needs after the storm.
• The State Mental Health Treatment Facilities are fully operational.
• Through ESF 6, DCF provided staffing and emergency supplies to 32 shelters and meals to 1,000 first responders.
• The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) continues to contact all our Area Agencies on Aging partners to receive updates on their ongoing preparation efforts and there are no unmet needs.
• The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has been contacting school districts and state colleges as Hurricane Helene moves out of the state. Districts, colleges, and universities are conducting damage assessments following the storm. Currently, 48 school districts, 19 state colleges, and 8 universities remain closed.
• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is actively working to provide any needed assistance to drinking water, wastewater and hazardous waste facilities. Outreach to these facilities to determine operational status is ongoing.
• Following the issuance of the Governor’s Executive Order, DEP issued an Emergency Final Order allowing for the activation of disaster debris management sites to store and process storm generated solid waste and debris.
• DEP’s online portal WaterTracker is now live for drinking and wastewater facilities to report their operational status.
• DEP has pre-authorized 871 Disaster Debris Management Sites for the counties included in the Governor’s Executive Order to stage debris that may result from the storm. These sites are critical for expediting clean-up and reducing environmental and public health impacts post-storm. DEP is coordinating with EPA’s Landfill Strike Teams to provide local governments any needed technical support before the storm makes landfall to expedite recovery.
• DEP published a storm updates webpage to keep state park visitors updated: FloridaStateParks.org/StormUpdates. Visitors with existing camping and cabin reservations at closed parks have been notified of their reservation status.

  Resources for Employees, Businesses and Consumers

• The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to encourage more than 71,000 Florida-licensed lodging establishments to relax pet policies and waive pet fees for evacuees.
• Through this effort, anti-price gouging information and emergency accommodations resources have also been provided. 
• DBPR has proactively communicated with more than 137,000 restaurant and lodging licensees to provide storm preparation and food safety resources. 
• DBPR has proactively contacted more than 2,300 prescription wholesale stakeholders to provide information on emergency provisions under Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order 24-211 that will help mitigate supply chain difficulties with prescription drugs and medical gas.
• The Florida Disaster Contractors Network has been activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs.
• DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org.
• FloridaCommerce activated the private sector hotline at (850) 815-4925, open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Inquiries may also be emailed to [email protected].
• Updates on business closures and business resources are updated at FloridaDisaster.biz/CurrentDisasterUpdates.
• FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Helene” from the dropdown menu. 
• VISIT FLORIDA Emergency Accommodation Modules on Expedia and Priceline will remain available to provide real-time hotel availability and lodging resources for impacted Floridians and visitors.
• Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has crafted special offers for evacuations and First Responders who need accommodations during an evacuation. Please see the linked pages below for more information.  
  • Evacuees
  • First Responders
• Rosen Hotels & Resorts activated its Florida Resident Distress Rates* for residents in the 61 counties where Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency. This initiative provides evacuees with a safe and affordable place to stay as they ride out the storm. For more information see https://www.rosenhotels.com/rosen-hotels-resorts-reduces-pricing-ahead-of-helene/
• Visit website for CareerSource openings: careersourceflorida.com
• Comcast has opened more than 52,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Florida. The free and public hotspots are open for all, including non-Xfinity customers. For more information, click here.
• CVS Health created pop-up pharmacies in impacted areas.
• The Florida Department of State, Division of Elections, has contacted the United States Postal Service (USPS) about election information and vote-by-mail ballots. The Division of Elections recommended that Supervisors of Elections t contact their local district USPS to discuss a mitigation plan for ballot mailing, delivery, and return.
• The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) worked with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies are available, and with Florida’s agricultural partners so producers have adequate resources. The Florida Forest Service staged equipment, like high-water vehicles.
• The Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson, has approved an Emergency Order temporarily suspending the intrastate movement requirements for animal transportation. In addition, the following states have waived their interstate import requirements for Florida pets, horses, and livestock leaving the state: Alabama, Georgia (does not include livestock), Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. 
• Commissioner Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency rule authorizing out-of-state licensed security guards to protect people and property in Florida.
• Commissioner Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency rule to aid the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas to disaster response and recovery operations.
• Fuel inspectors are responding to impacted areas to ensure retail fuel dispensers are working properly and testing the quality of fuel.
• Floridians are encouraged to call 1-800-HELP-FLA to report water-contaminated fuel issues to the department.
• Food safety inspectors are responding to impacted areas to conduct damage assessments and ensure the safe operation of 12,917 potentially impacted food establishments.
• Agricultural partners can request critical assistance for  livestock and animals in critical need, please complete this form then send it to [email protected], or call 863-993-5460.
• UF/IFAS is studying the agricultural losses and damages resulting from Hurricane Helene. Producers can share information about impacts experienced at your farm, ranch, or aquaculture operation here.
• The Department of Revenue (FDOR) has issued Emergency Order 24-001: Taxing Authority Millage and Budget Hearings to assist local taxing authorities with altering their plans for annual budget hearings because of Helene. Department of Revenue bulletin PTO 20-07 provides further instructions for local taxing authorities during declared emergencies.
• The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) evacuated 22 satellite facilities, two major facilities and relocated 4,630 inmates into hardened housing units prior to landfall. All inmates have been accounted for. Inmate visitation has been suspended statewide until Monday, September 30. FDC is posting updates publicly and in real-time at FDC.myflorida.com/weather-updates.
• The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) have finalized storm preparations to ensure the safety and security of staff and youth in our care. This includes fueling all vehicles, moving vehicles in low-lying and flood-prone areas to higher ground, testing and ensuring adequate fuel supplies for generators in the event of loss of power, and ensuring food, medicine, and emergency supplies are stocked and ready. 

Hurricane Helene Update of September 27, 2024 PM Update

September 27, 2024