Helene made landfall as a Class 4 hurricane about 11:10 p.m. ET close to Perry, Florida, with 140 mph winds, the Nationwide Hurricane Middle reported.
The storm, which now marks the primary identified Class 4 storm to hit Florida’s Large Bend area since information started in 1851, maintained hurricane strength because it moved inland throughout northern Florida and into Georgia the place it downgraded to a tropical storm about 5 a.m. ET.
Early Friday, the storm was racing north over Macon, Georgia, into southeast Atlanta at about 30 mph.
As of 9 a.m. ET Friday greater than 3.8 million outages had been reported throughout the state, USA TODAY’s power outage tracker confirmed.
In Tampa Bay, one resident described seeing vanished seashores, boats crashed into properties, and companies on hearth.
“Full devastation and loss right here,” Vikki Hudson, who lives in Largo, about three miles from the coast advised USA TODAY Friday. “The seashores are gone. All the pieces is underwater. Boats piled on prime of homes and yards.”
Hudson stated she noticed Gulf Boulevard, which runs the St. Petersburg shoreline north to Clearwater, “utterly underwater.”
The view of thirty ninth Avenue South in St. Petersburg, Florida on Sept. 27, 2024 after Hurricane Helene hit.
Hudson, who lives about 20 minutes from her two companies at Treasure Island Seashore − The Island Lady Tiki Bar and The Island Lady Seashore Leases − stated she has not been in a position to examine on her enterprise as bridges are closed attributable to widespread flooding.
“We don’t know something but, we can’t get to any of the barrier islands,” Hudson stated.
Images and social media footage confirmed boats overcome with water, downed utility poles, and extra harm alongside Florida’s Gulf coast.
See harm left by Hurricane Helene in Tampa, Fort Myers, Naples
Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Seashore sees flooding for a second time because the outer bands of Hurricane Helene move by on Fort Myers Seashore, Fla. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Seashore sees flooding for a second time because the outer bands of Hurricane Helene move by on Fort Myers Seashore, Fla. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
Mud traces the place water dissapated is proven close to a grate in the course of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Riverside, Jacksonville, Fla.
Excessive sea waters alongside a Coquina Key dwelling in St. Petersburg, Florida on Sept. 27, 2024.
Two individuals on a motorcycle and automobiles journey down Vanderbilt Drive in Naples as Hurricane Helene passes off the coast on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Storm surge coupled with an incoming tide precipitated flooding alongside a number of roadways.
Legislation enforcement officers collect on Estero Boulevard with a ship as Hurricane Helene passes by on Fort Myers Seashore, Fla. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Estero Island was flooded by by the hurricane.
Alexander Blaudow talks on the telephone whereas strolling down the world of 1800 Copeland St. and 2200 St. Johns Ave. in the course of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Riverside, Jacksonville, Fla.
Flooding fills the parking zone at The Fish Home Restaurant in Bonita Springs as Hurricane Helene passes off the coast on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. The flooding is because of storm surge and an incoming tide.
Estero Boulevard is flooded as Hurricane Helene passes by on Fort Myers Seashore, Fla. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Seashore sees flooding for a second time because the outer bands of Hurricane Helene move by on Fort Myers Seashore, Fla. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.
A big oak fell on a house throughout Tropical Storm Helene in Anderson, S.C. Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
Two males courageous the winds and heavy surf to attempt to safe a ship alongside the seawall in Cocoa Lee Wenner Park Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Tough wind and waves hit the seaside at Fort Pierce Jetty Park as feeder bands from Hurricane Helene have an effect on the Treasure Coast on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in Fort Pierce.
A automobile is seen on a abandoned road because it rains closely earlier than Hurricane Helene makes landfall in Tallahassee, Florida, on September 26, 2024.
Donald Draughon and his spouse Vicki anticipate the arrival of Hurricane Helene at Lincoln Excessive Faculty, which was opened as a shelter in Tallahassee, Florida, U.S., September 26, 2024.
Hurricane Helene 5 a.m. Sept. 27, 2024.
This story has been up to date with new photographs and movies.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Attain her at nalund@usatoday.com and comply with her on X @nataliealund.
