In Clearwater, one of the hardest-hit regions, water levels surged to a record 8.6 feet, eclipsing the previous high of 6.8 feet. Similarly, in East Bay, levels peaked at 7.3 feet, surpassing the old record of 6.7 feet.

Hurricane Helene made landfall late Thursday night as a Category 4 storm, bringing catastrophic storm surge and life-threatening winds to Florida's Big Bend region. In the Tampa Bay region, water rescues continued through the night in coastal areas.