Hurricane Helene damage photos, videos: Storm aftermath hits Perry, Cedar Key, Tampa hard

ORLANDO, Fla. - Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm near Perry, Florida, late Thursday night, packing 140 mph winds and causing widespread damage across the Sunshine State.

Photos and videos capture the devastating effects of the storm's hurricane-force winds, life-threatening storm surge, and heavy rainfall.

TRACKING HELENE:

Perry and Taylor County Storm Damage

The fast-moving storm caused deaths and widespread property damage while closing bridges, schools, courts, and businesses. North Florida’s rural Big Bend region — and more specifically Taylor County — got hit by a hurricane for the third time in little more than a year.

Helene left behind a trail of debris and damage in Perry. FOX 35 crews spotted roofs that had been blown off and trees that had fallen on power lines, causing power outages.

Perry residents clean up after Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, late Thursday night as a Category 4 storm, leaving destruction in its wake. Some residents say they are thankful — and perhaps lucky — it wasn’t worse.

Hurricane Helene: Extensive damage in Perry, Florida

Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry, Florida, as a dangerous, Category 4 storm late Thursday night. FOX 35 News is getting a first look at the extensive damage left behind.

Citrus County Storm Damage

Flooding was a major concern in Citrus County following Hurricane Helene. Several crews rushed to help rescue residents impacted by floodwaters on Friday.

Hurricane Helene flooding in Citrus County, Florida

Water rescues are underway in Citrus County, Florida, following Hurricane Helene.

Helene damage prevents many from returning home

Cedar Key is struggling to recover after an 8-foot storm surge submerged much of the coastal town, leaving widespread devastation. One resident kept an eye on her home through a surveillance camera during the storm.

Dixie County Storm Damage

The community of Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County sustained significant damage from Hurricane Helene.

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As the sun comes up we’ll get a better sense of storm impacts. Here’s Horseshoe Beach, Florida. [Credit: Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis]

Pasco County Storm Damage

Approximately 200 people were rescued from rising waters in Pasco County overnight following Hurricane Helene. Thankfully, the water began to recede, leading to fewer calls for help, the Pasco Sheriff's Office said.

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Approximately 200 people were rescued from rising waters in Pasco County overnight following Hurricane Helene. (Credit: Pasco Sheriff's Office)

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Approximately 200 people were rescued from rising waters in Pasco County overnight following Hurricane Helene. (Credit: Pasco Sheriff's Office)

Bradenton Storm Damage

The Palma Sola Causeway in Bradenton was closed due to storm surge from Helene, which caused trees to fall, a sailboat to break loose, and water to flood the road.

Hurricane Helene: Floodwaters in Georgia, Florida

Hurricane Helene caused significant flooding in portions of Florida and Georgia late Thursday into Friday morning.

Tampa Storm Damage

Vehicles were seen driving across the Howard Franklin Bridge in the Tampa area, where Helene unleashed devastating storm surge.

Storm Surge: The power of hurricanes

FOX 35 speaks with Jason Evans, professor of environmental science at Stetson University, shares the power of storm surge brought on by hurricanes.

Charlotte County Storm Damage

Crews in Charlotte County advised residents to stay off the roads due to widespread flooding caused by storm surge.

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Crews in Charlotte County are warning residents to stay off the roads due to widespread flooding caused by storm surge from Hurricane Helene. (Credit: Charlotte County Emergency Management)

Crystal River and Citrus County Storm Damage

Hurricane Helene caused massive flooding as it moved over Crystal River.

Hurricane Helene: Flooding in Crystal River, Florida

FOX 35's David Martin reports in Crystal River, Florida, where Hurricane Helene caused massive flooding overnight.

Hillsborough County Storm Damage

Four people and a dog were rescued from floodwaters in Hillsborough County.

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Four people and a dog were rescued from floodwaters near Hillsborough Avenue. (Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)

Brevard County beaches

Hurricane Helene caused significant erosion along the coast in Brevard County.

Hurricane Helene causes erosion along Brevard County coast

Hurricane Helene caused significant erosion along the coast of Brevard County.

Palm Coast

A large tree was uprooted and fell on someone's home in Flagler County after rainbands from Hurricane Helene crossed Central Florida.

Large tree uprooted as Hurricane Helene pummels through

A large tree was uprooted and fell on someone's home in Flagler County after rainbands from Hurricane Helene crossed Central Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall late Thursday near Perry, Florida, as a powerful Category 4 storm.