Hurricane Helene Imminent Landfall In The Big Bend As Category 4 Storm

All of Tampa Bay and Florida is closely watching Hurricane Helene as it makes landfall in the Big Bend region. Around 10pm the eyewall began to cross Perry, Florida. The hurricane does not officially hit landfall until the center of the eye crosses land. The craziest coincidence is Helene is expected to make the exact same landfall location as Idalia last year. After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday. As of 10:45p.m. almost 800,000 Florida residents are without power. Over 200,000 of those residents are in Pinellas County.

Prior to landfall, officials of Taylor County have released a devastating statement to residents who did not evacuate. "If you or someone you know chose not to evacuate, PLEASE write your name, birthday and important information on your arm or leg in A PERMANENT MARKER so that you can be identified and family notified," the statement read.

As of 10:30pm, it is expected that classes at Florida State University will be cancelled through next week, depending on the damage.

As for Tampa Bay, the storm moved very quickly past us, at about 24 mph. While unlike other major storms like Idalia or Debby, it's not the amount of rain we're worried about seeing, but the storm surge. The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service are forecasting life-threatening storm surge from Helene and storm surge warnings are in place for almost the entire Gulf Coast of Florida.

The high tide forecast for Tampa Bay varies on your location. You could start seeing water rising around 11pm Thursday or 2am Friday. If you start to see water enter your house, you should immediately shut off your power and gas.

Most importantly, do not leave your shelter tomorrow unless absolutely necessary. It will be hard to tell how deep some surge flooding is across the area. Not to mention potential fallen powerlines and other large debris. If you must leave your shelter, remember the golden rule: Turn Around, Don't Drown. If flood water starts too look too deep, turn around and try to find an alternative route.

As any major storm passes through Tampa Bay or Florida, it's important to remember safe ways to recover from a hurricane. After the worst is over, it still may be advised to stay in shelter as you are unaware of road conditions. If you have evacuated your home, it is best to stay in your shelter as you may not be able to access or have power at your house.

You've made it through the wind and the rain. Notoriously, there's debris and streets are flooded. You're initial instincts are probably to go outside to take a look at the damage, but that is when most injuries, and unfortunately, deaths take place. From fallen powerline and generator injuries, to car accidents from flooded streets, these are just a few reasons why after a storm is just as dangerous.

Storm surge happens when hurricanes start to churn along the coast. The NOAA explains that storm surge is produced by water being pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds moving cyclonically.

Storm surge can be one of the most dangerous aspects of the a hurricane. In the past, large death tolls have resulted from the rise of the ocean associated with many of the major hurricanes. Just last year, Fort Myers Beach saw at least 13.8 feet of storm surge after Hurricane Ian.

With the help of the CDC website, we made a list of important safety tips to recover from a hurricane.

If you've evacuated before the storm, it's advised by the National Weather Service to come back to inspect your home only when officials say it is safe. If you stayed in place, be sure to wear protective gear (gloves, waterproof boots, hard hats/helmets).

If your power is out, use flashlights instead of candles.

Stay inside for as long as you can and only drive if necessary. Sometimes flooding of streets can be misleading and it's easy for your car to flood. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects in the road, downed electrical wires, and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks that might collapse.

Be sure to report any loses or damage as soon as possible. It's always a good idea to take photos of any damage as you see it. As soon as it's available, have your home inspected by a licensed contractor.

Start the process by airing out your home and throwing out any wet items that won’t dry quickly, like mattresses, couches and books. If mold has already started to grow, clean it up with a mixture of bleach and water.

According to the National Weather Service, carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms in areas dealing with power outages. Review these quick powering and operating your generator safety tips from ABC Action News.

It's a question on a lot of people's minds after a hurricane, "can I flush my toilet?" Well the answer is it depends on the condition of your environment. According to WFLA, sewer systems can become filled and rainwater floods into the streets, so flushing should be avoided.

Keep you fridge closed for as long as possible. It's advised from the FDA to not eat food from your refrigerator if its temperature has risen above 40° F for two hours or longer.

If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. If the food or packaging still contains ice crystals or is 40 °F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.

Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was not out for more than four hours and the refrigerator door was kept shut. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40°F for two hours or more.

If you are in need, you can go to feedingtampabay.org to find a pantry or distribution site near you.

Unfortunately, during and after a storm, scammers try to take advantage of those most vulnerable. According to The Tampa Bay Times, even some Tampa residents have reported a "bad con" that's been played before. Bad actors purporting to be the electric utility emailing and texting customers and telling them if they don’t pay their bill right now. their power will be cut off. Links to make payments are often included.

Tampa Electric Co. spokesperson Cherie Jacobs stated "these emails and phone calls are not from us, these are scammers trying to get your money."

If you have concerns with your account during the storm, go to tecoaccount.com, or your electricity providers website.

Emotions often run high after a disaster, so physical tasks can tire you out more quickly than usual. Be careful not to over-exert yourself. Also remember that emotional healing takes time - if you have lost something or someone, counseling could be a good option for you and/or your family.