South Pasadena, Florida witnessed devastating scenes as Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall late Thursday night. The city officials shared alarming visuals of water levels reaching street signs, homes engulfed in flames, and boats colliding with residences. The South Pasadena Fire Department and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office bravely responded to emergency calls amidst challenging weather conditions. Rescuers encountered a burning house and large objects, like dumpsters, swept away by floodwaters, highlighting the perilous situation.

In a video shared by the city, first responders could be heard checking for residents in neighboring homes. Meanwhile, Treasure Island, Florida faced severe impacts as boats were forcefully thrown into houses along the main causeway. Parts of the city experienced high water levels, making it difficult for rescue operations to access certain neighborhoods due to the intense weather conditions. The Sarasota Police Department also captured floodwaters submerging the coastal area of St. Armand’s Circle in drone footage, showcasing the aftermath of the storm.

Tampa faced heavy flooding in coastal regions, including Davis Island, as captured by Mayor Jane Castor aboard a police helicopter. Road closures due to heavy rainfall exacerbated the situation, with reports indicating that many roads remained impassable. The National Hurricane Center confirmed Hurricane Helene’s landfall in Florida with maximum sustained winds of 140 miles per hour. Despite evacuation orders, city officials undertook numerous rescues throughout the state, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for assistance.