Hurricane Helene’s monster size means much of the state is feeling the impacts of the storm as it spins to the Big Bend area.
We’re seeing flooding in counties along the Gulf Coast. Roads and bridges are closed or closing. We’re also seeing heavy winds, rain and choppy waves.
Take a look at these videos and photos from around the state and beyond.
FROM SPACE
NASA posted new video of Helene from the International Space Station, the best perspective for the storm’s massive size.
The International Space Station flew over Hurricane Helene at 2:25 p.m. EDT Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, as it approached the Gulf Coast of Florida packing winds in excess of 120 miles an hour. pic.twitter.com/J1iU0Iztpx
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) September 26, 2024
INSIDE HELENE
Hurricane Hunters flew into Helene Thursday to get the latest data from the storm. Here’s what it looks like inside.
Join us in the flight station to see what it's like flying into a hurricane!
— NOAA Aircraft Operations Center (@NOAA_HurrHunter) September 26, 2024
This morning @NOAA WP-3D Orion #NOAA43 "Miss Piggy" flew a critical mission into Hurricane #Helene ahead of its landfall later today. Data collected will help improve intensity forecasts and support… pic.twitter.com/WSVnCSZH4X
A NOAA satellite catches the lightning and clouds inside Helene’s eyewall.
UPDATE: @NOAA's #GOES16🛰️ caught the bubbling clouds and #lightning around #Hurricane #Helene's eyewall this afternoon. Stay up to date with the latest: https://t.co/TZdqlrDfGr pic.twitter.com/oN0DT6qWrV
— NOAA Satellites - Public Affairs (@NOAASatellitePA) September 26, 2024
FLORIDA KEYS
People were still trying to get pictures from the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S. early Thursday.
NAPLES
Storm surge caused flooding in the city of Naples.
LEE COUNTY
Flooding has been a concern for the Matlacha Bridge in Lee County all day.
SARASOTA
Flooding is occurring around Sarasota, and all bridges to the barrier islands are shut down.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐊𝐞𝐲 (𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐫.) 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃!!
— Sarasota Police Department (@SarasotaPD) September 26, 2024
All bridge access to the barrier islands in @CityofSarasota are now 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃! pic.twitter.com/EhGNY66CNg
Avoid Midnight Pass at Stickney Point roads. Fast moving water has overwashed the barrier island onto the roadway. Hurricane Helene will continue to cause conditions to deteriorate. Several feet of storm surge are forecasted. Turn around, don't drown! #HurricaneHelene #SRQCounty pic.twitter.com/LUvWxDrRVd
— Sarasota County Government (@SRQCountyGov) September 26, 2024
1:15 p.m., Sept. 26 conditions at Indian Mound Park. A reminder that coastal areas are already experiencing flooding and conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate due to Hurricane Helene. Turn around, don't drown.#HurricaneHelene #SRQCountyParks pic.twitter.com/cKKDWFCgCN
— Sarasota County Government (@SRQCountyGov) September 26, 2024
TAMPA BAY
The Howard Frankland Bridge and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa and St. Pete are closed because of high winds and waves. You can see the waves washing over the Howard Frankland in these videos.
The Skyway Bridge and the Howard Frankland Bridge are both CLOSED due to high winds and storm surge. Motorists should stay off the highways. #Helene pic.twitter.com/OAM2aMUPEP
— FHP Tampa (@FHPTampa) September 26, 2024
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH
Video from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office gives us a good look at the storm surge that is causing flooding up and down the coast.
Here’s a look at the Gulf from the 3rd Avenue Beach Access in Indian Rocks Beach. #HurricaneHelene pic.twitter.com/6VRltMBNxx
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 26, 2024
Water beginning to come over walls off the beach in Indian Shores. Also, as the sheriff said earlier…someone is gonna “win a stupid prize…” #HurricaneHelene pic.twitter.com/jLISw266dt
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 26, 2024
ST. PETE BEACH
Flooding in the St. Petersburg area is the primary concern and photos from law enforcement show flooding around Pinellas County.
Deputies are currently assessing areas expected to be hit hardest by Hurricane Helene, Evacuation Zone A. We strongly urge all in Zone A to evacuate immediately. The storm's peak impact isn't here yet, but we are already seeing concerning conditions.
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) September 26, 2024
📷 - St. Pete Beach pic.twitter.com/hdNQzOMCC1
More views of flooding and we're only just beginning to get the effects of the storm. See current conditions in the US area, Bayou Grande, and 62nd Ave NE /Foch St NE. Don't attempt to drive through high water pic.twitter.com/ZipQ4WnYgV
— St. Pete Police (@StPetePD) September 26, 2024
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