The then-Category 4 storm brushed past the Tampa Bay area, bringing rainfall, strong winds and feet of storm surge to the area.
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Clearwater Beach won’t be accessible “until further notice” after Hurricane Helene impacted the area with feet of storm surge, city officials said.
Several feet of water inundated the barrier island roads, businesses and homes on Clearwater Beach. While water levels are expected to recede, officials say a lot of debris will still be on the roads, making it unsafe to travel to and around the area.
The debris will need to be completely removed before Clearwater Beach will be reopened safely, the city said. The bridges to the barrier islands are still closed and until they reopen, no one will be allowed to access the beach.
City leaders say first responders late Thursday and early Friday made multiple high-water rescues of people from homes on the beach and mainland.
Hurricane …