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Hurricane Helene was a catastrophic storm that ravaged the Southeastern United States in late September 2024, becoming the strongest hurricane ever to hit Florida’s Big Bend region. It left a trail of widespread destruction and was the deadliest Atlantic hurricane since Maria in 2017, as well as the deadliest to strike the U.S. mainland since Katrina in 2005.
On September 22, the storm began as a broad low-pressure system in the western Caribbean Sea. Within two days, it strengthened and organized enough to be classified as tropical, earning the name Helene as it neared the Yucatán Peninsula.
A rapid intensification followed, turning Helene into a major hurricane as it barreled toward the U.S. coast. Its strength and destructive power would leave an unforgettable mark on the communities in its path.
Discover how PuroClean is making a difference in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Learn more about PuroClean’s Hurricane Relief Efforts in our news article.
Storm Activity
Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across Florida in late September 2024, causing widespread damage, power outages, and deadly storm surges. Wind gusts reached up to 67 mph in Naples and 64 mph in Fort Lauderdale, while storm surges rose to 9.63 feet in Steinhatchee and 7.18 feet in Tampa. Nearly 1.3 million Floridians were left without power, and the Central Florida Pipeline, critical for jet fuel supply, was damaged. The hurricane also led to service disruptions in national parks, including Dry Tortugas National Park, which was hit by a storm surge.
The storm claimed 17 lives across the state, with Pinellas County reporting 11 fatalities, most of which were due to drowning. Tampa saw two additional deaths from a car accident and a drowning, while Dixie County reported one fatality caused by a fallen tree. Rescue operations were extensive, with over 1,000 people saved in the Tampa Bay area alone, including over 100 people and 50 pets in Citrus County. Authorities urged residents who didn't evacuate to provide identifying information for rescue teams, highlighting the storm's deadly nature.
The destruction in Florida was immense, with Taylor County reporting that 90% of homes in Keaton Beach were destroyed. In Manatee and Sarasota counties, damages exceeded $1.1 billion, affecting thousands of buildings. Clearwater Beach saw multiple fires due to the storm surge. At the same time, areas unaffected by the direct path, like Volusia and Flagler counties, still experienced gale-force winds and power outages, further underscoring Helene's widespread impact.
Every insurance policy is different. You should contact your broker/agent or your insurance company to determine the amount of coverage that you have.
First, contact a water-damage restoration company, such as PuroClean, as soon as possible. Don’t wait, as water can cause mold and irremediable damage to the wood, walls, and carpet in your home. Then, contact your insurance company to start the claim process. If safe, shut off the utilities in your home to avoid further damage. Don’t enter your home if it has suffered structural damage. Don’t walk through floodwater if electricity hasn’t been turned off, and avoid contaminants.
There are many variables that determine whether a flooded home can be saved: the amount of water is one, even more important is the amount of time the water was in/around the home. Every situation is different!
Water damage can occur after natural disasters, such as thunderstorms or hurricanes that cause flooding, from pipe bursts, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, foundation leaks, septic tank overflows, poor drainage, and more. Flash flooding, pipe bursts, and sewage backups are especially dangerous as they can produce several inches of water in less than a day.
Every insurance policy is different. You should contact your broker/agent or your insurance company to determine the amount of coverage that you have.
First, contact a water-damage restoration company, such as PuroClean, as soon as possible. Don’t wait, as water can cause mold and irremediable damage to the wood, walls, and carpet in your home. Then, contact your insurance company to start the claim process. If safe, shut off the utilities in your home to avoid further damage. Don’t enter your home if it has suffered structural damage. Don’t walk through floodwater if electricity hasn’t been turned off, and avoid contaminants.
There are many variables that determine whether a flooded home can be saved: the amount of water is one, even more important is the amount of time the water was in/around the home. Every situation is different!
Water damage can occur after natural disasters, such as thunderstorms or hurricanes that cause flooding, from pipe bursts, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, foundation leaks, septic tank overflows, poor drainage, and more. Flash flooding, pipe bursts, and sewage backups are especially dangerous as they can produce several inches of water in less than a day.
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© 2025 PuroClean. All Rights Reserved.
