September 26, 2024

As of the 5:00 PM National Weather Service advisory, Hurricane Helene strengthened to a Category 3. The storm is about 175 miles south of Tallahassee, moving north-northeast at 23 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. The City of Naples and Collier County remain under a Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning. 

The City of Naples experienced street flooding this morning due to storm surge. With onshore winds from the southeastern side of Hurricane Helene and the incoming high tide at 11:33 PM, significant street flooding is expected tonight, with water levels potentially rising 1-2 feet higher than this morning’s flooding. Once the storm passes, it will take time for the water to drain from the roadways.

We are still hours away from the next high tide and are experiencing water over multiple roadways, with some of them completely impassable. Surge waters are inundating roadways from the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Please stay off the roads until this storm has passed.

Driving through standing water of unknown depths during the day is dangerous; driving through standing water at night could cost you your life. It only takes a few inches of water to damage, stall, or worse, sweep your car away! Don’t risk it. If you see standing water, turn around!

Emergency personnel are monitoring and patrolling the entire City, and updates on road conditions will be provided via social media.

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The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is advising the public not to enter the water due to the possible increased risk of water-borne illness. Swimming is not recommended.

Public Beaches

Heavy winds and rain can negatively impact coastal waters. Excessive amounts of rain and storm surge can increase the levels of harmful bacteria in these waters. The sources of the bacteria can vary and include failing septic systems, sewer line breaks, overflowing manholes, and wildlife.

Storm surge and floodwaters may have also brought debris onto the beaches. This debris is hazardous and has also been subjected to harmful bacteria. Under no circumstance should any person handle debris who is not wearing proper safety equipment.

Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in coastal waters until bacterial testing indicates sample results within the state and Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards. Testing will begin as soon as conditions are safe, and areas are accessible. Test results can be accessed at the Florida Department of Healthy Beaches website.

Floodwaters

Residents are urged to avoid contact with floodwaters which come from an overflow of any body of water including rivers, lakes, or the Gulf of Mexico. Floodwater may contain fecal matter from sewage systems, septic overflow, agricultural waste, and industrial waste. Floodwaters also mask debris, downed powerlines, animals, and other hazards.

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Important Reminders:

• 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.

We urge all residents to stay informed by regularly checking local news outlets, the National Hurricane Center, and the National Weather Service - Miami Office.

Your safety is our top priority. Please take all necessary precautions and stay informed as we navigate through this weather event together. We strongly encourage everyone to stay off the roads until the storm has passed and floodwaters have receded.

Stay safe, Naples.

City of Naples

735 8th Street South

Naples, Florida 34102

(239) 213-1030

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