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Fort Myers residents rescued from rising floodwaters after Hurricane Helene lashes Florida

2 people killed in Florida from storm, Gov. Ron DeSantis says
A child was rescued from floodwaters in Fort Myers after Hurricane Helene lashed Florida on Sept. 26, 2024.
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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.

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:

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National News

Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Florida's Big Bend as Category 4 storm

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'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

Matt Papaycik
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These are the schools that plan to reopen Friday after Helene

Aja Dorsainvil
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Tropical Weather

COUNTY-BY-COUNTY IMPACTS: What to expect

Audra Schroeder
SW TRACKING HELENE Steve Weagle.png

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Steve Weagle: Here's what you need to know about Helene

Steve Weagle

Hurricane

'Cautiously optimistic': Wellington prepping for potential flooding

Michael Hoffman

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'WAITING AND WATCHING': Belle Glade, South Bay preparing for impacts of Helene

Matt Sczesny

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Big Bend residents pray ahead of Hurricane Helene

Joel Lopez

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Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne: 20 Years Later

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Surfing Blog

Surf Forecast: Swell fading

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2024 STORM NAMES

Alberto

Beryl

Chris

Debby

Ernesto

Francine

Gordon

Helene

Isaac

Joyce

Kirk

Leslie

Milton

Nadine

Oscar

Patty

Rafael

Sara

Tony

Valerie

William

TERMS TO KNOW

TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

HURRICANE WATCH: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.