September 25, 2024

According to the 11:00 AM National Weather Service advisory, the storm has been upgraded to a Category 1 Hurricane. Helene is approximately 500 miles SSW of Tampa, Florida, moving north-northwest at around 10 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The City of Naples and Collier County are under a Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning. Helene is forecasted to strengthen into a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) by early Thursday, with storm surge and coastal flooding posing significant threats to the City of Naples around 8:00 AM tomorrow morning.

The National Weather Service anticipates our area will receive tropical storm force winds and storm surge from 3-5 feet. A 2.92-foot high tide will be at 8:00 AM tomorrow, so water over roads and possible flooding is expected. The City's Stormwater crews are clearing stormwater drain inlets and lowering lake levels today, prior to low tide, in anticipation of heavy rainfall. Weather and tide dependent, our crews will adjust lake levels again tomorrow to coordinate with low tide and the storm surge.

• A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline during the next 36 hours. This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within low-lying areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials. For a depiction of the areas at risk, please click the link to see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic.
• A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within the next 36 hours.
• MarineHazards: Life-threatening surf will develop along and near Gulf Coast beaches today as Hurricane Helene moves through the Gulf of Mexico, producing dangerously large ocean swells. Wave heights upwards of 10-15’ are anticipated along Florida Gulf Coast beaches with waves further offshore reaching upwards of 20-25’. We strongly recommend that people stay out of the water to ensure their safety. Our local beaches do not have lifeguards on duty.

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

For your safety, residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas are urged to heed warnings of high storm surge and tides. Voluntary evacuations to higher ground are strongly encouraged before 6:00 AM tomorrow. Please elevate valuables in case of flooding. Those staying in the City should plan to remain indoors during the storm, avoid flooded or impassable roads, and watch for debris.

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Due to the expected impacts of Hurricane Helene, the City of Naples will close all administrative offices, facilities, and recreation operations—including programs and special events—starting at 6:00 PM today, September 25, 2024. Normal operations will resume on Friday, September 27th. Additionally, the City’s solid waste, recycling, and horticulture collections will be suspended on Thursday, September 26th. Thursday’s collections will occur on Friday, and Friday’s collections will take place on Saturday. No changes to Commercial service on Saturday. Regular collection schedules will resume on Monday, September 30th.

While City facilities and parks are closed, the City's first responders are on duty and ready to clear debris, clear storm drains, and respond to emergencies. If you encounter debris in roadways, traffic light outages, or clogged storm drains, please call (239) 213-3000. For issues regarding your water or sewer service, call (239) 213-4745. If you are in an emergency situation, call 9-1-1. For all other non-emergencies, call (239) 213-3000. To report a power outage, contact FPL at 1-866-263-9186 or visit www.FPL.com.

Due to the approaching storm, the City of Naples has closed the South Parking Garage at 6th Avenue South and 8th Street South. If you are parked in this garage, please remove your vehicle.

City parking garages are for day use only, and storing personal vehicles during storm preparations is prohibited. During storm events, these garages are reserved for City Emergency Personnel and Emergency Vehicles only. Per City Ordinance Section 36-66, any vehicle left for more than 48 hours is subject to towing, and all vehicles must be parked in designated spaces.

We appreciate your cooperation as we prepare for the storm. Please make all necessary preparations and stay safe.

Collier County will be offering sandbags at two locations in Collier County: North Coller Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples, FL 34109 and Donna Fiala Eagles Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34113. Residents may bring their own shovel/trowel. The limit is 10 bags per person. Sandbags are first-come, first-served basis and are self-service. Sandbags are available today, Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 8 AM to dusk. For more information, contact Collier County Bridge & Stormwater Maintenance Division at (239) 252-8924.

As a reminder, per Section 52-33(b) of the City of Naples Code of Ordinances, it is unlawful to remove any beach material from the City of Naples beaches. Additionally, Section 146-37(n) of the Collier County Code of Ordinances prohibits the removal of sand from any Collier County beach.

Please note that the City of Naples does not provide sandbags, and as of this time, Collier County has not made sandbags available to residents.

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.

Horticulture, Solid Waste, and Recycling: Storm Preparedness Tips

• Please ensure all horticultural debris is secured on your property and not placed in the public right of way, as tropical-storm-force winds can turn debris into dangerous projectiles. Additionally, placing vegetation trimmings in the right of way can block stormwater drains, leading to flooding and other hazards.
• Please secure your recycling and trash carts. The City’s solid waste collections will be suspended on Thursday, September 26th. Thursday’s collection will occur on Friday, and Friday’s collection will take place on Saturday. Regular collection schedules will resume on Monday.

Your safety is our top priority. Please take all necessary precautions and stay informed as we navigate through this weather event together.

Stay safe, Naples.

City of Naples

735 8th Street South

Naples, Florida 34102

(239) 213-1030

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