FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — Although Hurricane Helene came ashore in North Florida, the effects were still felt across the state.
In Fort Myers Beach on Thursday night, the storm surge was high enough that multiple residents had to be rescued from rising waters.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit braved the elements as floodwaters surrounded much of the coastal neighborhoods.
The Fort Myers Police Department also deployed emergency response vehicles to assist. A stranded family had to be rescued on First Street amid rising waters.
The storm surge, which was forecast to be 3 to 5 feet in Fort Myers, pushed surrounding rivers and canals out of their banks.
Officials said everyone was safely taken to higher ground overnight.
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office posted on X that about 40 people have been removed from rising water along the U.S. Highway 19 corridor.
Approximately 40 people have been removed from rising water along the US19 corridor, with the assistance of our partners at Pasco County Fire Rescue. Rescue boats continue to be loaded into the water to continue answering rescue related calls for service. pic.twitter.com/VdzO85peKu
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) September 27, 2024
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday at least two people were killed in Florida after the storm's eye came ashore in the Big Bend region.
Read more of WPTV's coverage of Hurricane Helene below:
National News
Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida's Big Bend as Category 4 storm
Hurricane
'THREAT OF FIRE': Residents evacuated after downed power poles in Port St. Lucie
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HELENE'S IMPACT: Family rescued after tree destroys home in Martin County
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These are the schools that plan to reopen Friday after Helene
Tropical Weather
COUNTY-BY-COUNTY IMPACTS: What to expect
Hurricane
Steve Weagle: Here's what you need to know about Helene
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'Cautiously optimistic': Wellington prepping for potential flooding
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'WAITING AND WATCHING': Belle Glade, South Bay preparing for impacts of Helene
Hurricane
