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The City of Naples is closely monitoring the trajectory of Tropical Storm Helene and the potential impacts it may have on our area. According to the 11:00 AM National Weather Service advisory, the storm is approximately 170 miles SSE of the western tip of Cuba, moving northwest at around 12 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
A Tropical Storm Watch and Storm Surge Watch have been issued for coastal Collier County and surrounding areas. The National Weather Service anticipates our area will receive tropical storm force winds and storm surge from 2-4 feet. Storm impacts are expected to begin on Wednesday afternoon. Later this evening and overnight, increasingly dangerous beach and boating conditions will develop in our area; this includes wave heights of 5-8 feet. We strongly recommend people stay out of the water to ensure their safety. Our local beaches do not have lifeguards on duty.
A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours.
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within the next 36 hours.
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 and the safety of others, please plan to remain indoors during the storm’s impact, avoid flooded or impassable roadways, and be cautious of debris on the streets.
Important Reminders:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Horticulture, Solid Waste, and Recycling: Storm Preparedness Tips
- Do not begin construction projects that produce debris.
- Once a watch or warning has been issued, do not place vegetation trimmings of any kind in the right of way. Vegetation debris in the right of way can lead to clogging of stormwater drains which can cause flooding and other problems.
- Please secure your recycling and trash carts. Depending on the severity of the storm, the City’s regular collection schedule may be impacted. The City will notify the public if services are temporarily suspended.
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.
In the unlikely event of an evacuation order, please pre-secure accommodations outside low-lying areas, if possible. See shelter information links under RESOURCES below.
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.
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