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A tropical system is gaining strength today (Sept. 24) in the Caribbean and is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico by tonight or tomorrow. Collier County is under a Tropical Storm Watch. The forecast is calling for storm surge ― prediction is 3 to 5 feet along the coast ― and wind impacts, mostly Wednesday night and all day Thursday.
This is a developing story and our reporters and photographers are on alert and ready to provide coverage, contributing the latest updates on flooding, cancellations and closures, and what you need to know.
Flood zones: See where yours is HERE.
AAA provides safety, insurance advice ahead of Helene
- Review your home insurance policies. Contact your provider to ensure you have adequate coverage for any damages. If you do not have flood insurance, it’s too late to get a new policy for this storm.
- Check your auto insurance policy to ensure you have “comprehensive” coverage. This helps with vehicle damage like flooding or if a tree falls on it.
- Store important documents in a portable waterproof container. Documents could include insurance policy information, birth certificates, social security cards, and more.
- Take Inventory. Document your belongings by walking through your home with a video camera or smart phone. Keep a record of large purchases including the cost of the item, purchase date, and model and serial numbers.
- Strengthen your home. Trim trees near your house. Ensure you have materials to make sandbags and board up windows, if necessary. Bring in loose items like patio furniture, bikes and children’s toys – which could all turn into dangerous projectiles in strong winds.
- Be proactive. Protect your vehicle from flood waters. If you are in an area that is prone to flooding, consider parking your vehicle at a garage, friend’s house, or lower risk area for the duration of the storm.
President Biden approves emergency declaration for Florida
FEMA announced Tuesday that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Florida to supplement response efforts due to emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Helene beginning Sept. 23 and continuing.
“The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe,” FEMA said in a news release.
“Federal funding is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance and reimbursement for mass care including evacuation and shelter support. That assistance is available for Bay, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties.”
“Federal funding is also available to provide emergency protective measures limited to direct federal assistance for Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Escambia, Hamilton, Holmes, Marion, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Sumter, Union, Walton and Washington counties.”
City of Naples declares state of emergency
The City of Naples has issued a local State of Emergency in response to Tropical Storm Helene, following the emergency declarations by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Collier County Board of County Commissioners. Helene is forecasted to strengthen into a major hurricane by early Thursday, with storm surge and coastal flooding posing significant threats to the City of Naples.
At this time, there are no evacuation orders, and shelters have not opened. Residents should take proactive steps to prepare their homes and secure outdoor areas. Please ensure any horticultural debris is removed from the public right of way and secured safely on your property to avoid dangerous flying debris, as tropical storm-force winds can pose serious hazards. Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas should take extra precautions and plan to stay inland beginning Wednesday evening and during the storm to ensure their safety.
Naples is vulnerable to road flooding, and residents and visitors are reminded not to drive through flooded areas.
How do I find my flood zone?How to prepare for Collier Tropical Storm Helene flooding
In addition, the City of Naples will be closing the South Parking Garage, located at Sixth Avenue South and Eighth Street South, beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Please remove all vehicles from the garage before this time.
For updates, stay tuned to local news stations and refer to the National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov. To receive emergency alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for CodeRED by visiting www.naplesgov.com and clicking on the CodeRED tab at the bottom of the page.
National Weather Service issues storm surge warning for Collier County
Collier County residents about 5 p.m. Tuesday received an emergency alert on their phones. It stated that a storm surge warning was in affect for the county “for the danger of life-threatening flooding.”
“This warning is issued up to 36 hours before hazardous conditions begin. Urgently complete efforts to protect life and property. Follow evacuation orders if given for this area to avoid drowning or being cut off from emergency services.”
U-Haul offering free self-storage for month
U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box portable container use to people in the path of soon-to-be Hurricane Helene, projected as a major storm that will make landfall Thursday along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Many residential and commercial properties sustained damage or were destroyed in the storms. Numerous fatalities were reported. Thousands remain without heat and water. Accessibility to local storage units can play a small part in the recovery process.
Helene is forecasted to bring life-threatening storm surges, heavy rains and damaging winds to parts of the South. Models indicate the storm could center on Florida’s Big Bend region before moving into Georgia and eastern Alabama. Flooding is likely along Florida’s panhandle and western coastline.
Nineteen U-Haul companies have preemptively made 241 facilities available across Florida (136 stores), Georgia (70 stores) and Alabama (35 stores) to offer a month of free storage services, allowing those making hurricane preparations access to the disaster relief program in addition to people who will need help after the storm.
The free offer applies to new self-storage and U-Box rentals and is based on availability at each individual Company-owned and -operated location. Please reference the cities below with participating stores and contact your nearest U-Haul office to arrange 30 days of free storage services.
FSW switches to online only as Helene pass off the coast
All Florida SouthWestern State College classes and operations will transition to remote learning and work on Thursday, Sept. 26, and Friday, Sept. 27. “Any further updates or changes to operations can be found at FSW’s official communication channels and www.FSW.edu,” the school said.
Collier County Public Schools shares plans for upcoming days
Collier County Public Schools has announced its plan for the rest of the week as Tropical Storm Helene approaches Florida.
The National Weather Service in Miami has placed coastal Collier County, Marco Island, and Everglades City under a Tropical Storm Watch and Storm Surge Watch. Current projections indicate worsening weather beginning Wednesday evening and sustained tropical storm conditions beginning in the early morning hours on Thursday. The storm effects are forecasted to bring heavy rain to our area, potential flooding and storm surge risks, as well as winds that would exceed safe levels for buses to be on the road (sustained winds of 35mph or more).
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 25
Regular school and work day for CCPS.
- Starting at 6:30pm (Wednesday), all activities scheduled at CCPS schools and district sites will be canceled.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 26
- Collier County Public Schools will be CLOSED on Thursday. This closure includes:
- All CCPS schools and district sites
- After-school programs
- Extracurricular activities including athletic and performing arts practices and competitions
- Adult and Community Education classes
- District leases
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27
- We anticipate returning to regular operations on Friday (September 27). If there is a change to this plan, we will communicate using all methods.
“Please continue to monitor our District website (collierschools.com) and social media (@collierschools) for the latest information,” the school district said.
Special needs shelter operations to begin in Florida
Health reporter Liz Freeman has found that the Florida Department of Health has prepared for special needs shelter operations to begin in areas of anticipated landfall.
“In an emergency, such as an evacuation for a hurricane, you may need to go to a special needs shelter. If you know or care for an individual with a disability or a special need, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, it is important that you pre-register with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry. You will need to log in with an existing account or create a new account,” Florida Department of Health said.
“Registering through the Florida Special Needs Registry allows local emergency management officials to provide important information and quickly assist you during an emergency. For more information, contact your county’s emergency management office or visit the Florida Special Needs Registry.”
If you are eligible for a special needs shelter, your kit should include:
- List of medications and dosage
- A 30-day supply of medications
- Vital medical equipment for those who may be electrically or oxygen dependent,
- Backup energy sources for essential medical equipment
- Any special dietary needs or food
- Personal information including:
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- List of emergency contacts
- Your primary care provider’s contact information
After completing the Florida Special Needs Registry, additional information will be provided to you by your local emergency management agency regarding evacuation and sheltering options available.
For more information on your local shelter status, please visit FloridaDisaster.org.
Marco Island declares state of emergency
Journalist J. Kyle Foster has learned that Marco Island has officially declared a state of emergency. City Council Chairman Jared Grifoni signed a declaration Tuesday afternoon.
Bonita Springs declares state of local emergency
“Due to the potential impacts of the current impending storm,” the City of Bonita Springs announced Tuesday, so it “declared a State of Local Emergency in response to the anticipated landfall of Tropical Storm Helene.
“Tropical Storm Helene is forecasted to become a major hurricane with landfall north of Lee County but whose effects, including wind and storm surge, will be felt within the City of Bonita Springs.”
“The City of Bonita Springs resolution declaring the State of Local Emergency for Hurricane Helene has been posted on the city website. A State of Local Emergency (SOLE) helps municipalities and counties prepare for and respond to situations such as hurricanes. A SOLE will help with governmental procurement processes, help the community receive funds for recovery, and enable the ability of the government to make decisions in response to the emergency that can be subsequently ratified.”
“The City of Bonita Springs encourages the public to prepare for the potential impacts of the tropical storm. For more information and resources preparing for a storm, please visit the Lee County Government Storm Update page Lee County Storm Updates.”
Residents can stay up to date with City information on the City’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CityBonitaSpringsand website. City staff is working to prepare city facilities and operations. City facilities will be closed Thursday, Sept. 26.
More:With a Florida state of emergency, Fort Myers, Sanibel, Bonita warily watch growing storm
Collier County garbage, recycling information for Helene
Business journalist Laura Layden spotted on Facebook that Collier County said garbage and recycling collection will be taking place as scheduled.
“On rainy and windy days, please take your containers inside after collection to prevent litter in our community. Or you may choose to take advantage of twice-a-week collection service and wait for the next collection day,” the county said.
For more information about Solid Waste services, visit colliercountyfl.gov/collection.
Naples Airport Authority provides update ahead of Helene
Foster learned that, because of the potential for high winds and storm surge, the Naples Airport Authority is continuing its preparations to the airfield and buildings.
Aircraft in T-hangars are encouraged to relocate because those are not wind-rated. NAA will begin locking hangar doors by noon Wednesday, Sept. 25. Once locked, there will be no access to hangars until the storm threat passes.
Tenants and customers are encouraged to purchase fuel and make necessary preparations.
Helene could be stronger than expected, as it may move parallel to SW FL coast
A storm doesn’t have to make landfall to cause widespread damage. With Hurricane Ian in 2022, as it churned parallel to Naples and brought major storm surge as autos and refrigerators were shown floating on a street near the beach.
Allyson Rae of NBC-2 said on Facebook that the storm “could be stronger as it is moving parallel to our coast and this storm will grow in size.”
“Coastal spots need to pay close attention to the storm surge forecast and take necessary action for their homes and families,” she said.
City of Naples offers these tips ahead of Tropical Storm Helene
Layden shared these tips the city of Naples posted on social media. See the full list here:
Never walk or drive in the flood waters. Many people are killed by driving or walking on roads and bridges that are covered by water. Even though the water might look only inches deep, it could be much deeper and have strong currents. It takes only two feet of water to carry a car away, and only six inches of swiftly moving water to sweep a person off their feet.
- Find an alternate route around the flooded area. If you are approaching a flooded roadway, turn around and take an alternate route, even though vehicles in front of you may have passed through the high water.
- Don’t assume your vehicle is safe. High water in streets and intersections will quickly stall motor vehicles. Most trucks, four-wheel drives, and sport utility vehicles are susceptible to being swept away by high water.
- Never stay with your car in a flooded area. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from individuals attempting to move stalled vehicles.
- Safety First: Do not attempt to surf, water ride, or engage in similar activities on medians, easements, and roadways. This is extremely dangerous and may result in police enforcement actions.
- If you are in a flood hazard zone and/or area prone to flooding, please take precautions and move inland before the arrival of tropical storm conditions.
When, where are sandbags available in Collier County
Stating at 3 p.m. and ending at dusk Tuesday, Sept. 24, sand, empty sandbags, and some shovels will be available at two Collier County parks. The sand will be available at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, in the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon parking lot and at Donna Fiala Eagles Lakes Community Park, at 11565 Tamiami Trail East.
The sandbag locations will reopen at 8 a.m. on Wednesday until dusk. Sand will be available during the hours listed as long as weather conditions allow, sand is depleted, or until demand ceases.
You may bring your own shovel and/or trowel since shovels are limited. There is a limit of 10 bags per person. Once the sandbags and sand are gone the program will end.
Sandbags ― self-service and on a first-come, first-served basis ― when properly filled and placed, may divert water around instead of through buildings. Sandbag construction does not guarantee a watertight seal but is satisfactory for use in most situations. Burlap sacks and plastic sandbags (polypropylene) are standard types to use. Garbage bags are not recommended since they are too slick to stack.
For additional information on sand and sandbag availability, contact the Collier County Road, Bridge & Stormwater Maintenance Division at (239) 252-8924.
When is high tide over next couple of days?
Here’s some weather intel from environment reporter Chad Gillis, specifically water related: High tides will be 8 a.m. Wednesday and 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Both are single tide days.
Collier County declares state of emergency
Here’s an update from our Collier County reporter Mickenzie Hannon, including the County Commissioners declared a local state of emergency Tuesday.
