"The water was coming through the vents, through the air-conditioning ducts, every which way you can imagine."

A raging river of Gulf of Mexico water ripped through the heart of Madeira Beach just minutes after deputies blocked access to Pinellas County’s barrier islands at 6 p.m. Thursday. It would be dusk by the time these densely populated islands would start facing the peak of Hurricane Helene’s storm surge,

Five people have died in Pinellas County, Florida, as Hurricane Helene unleashed its devastating impact overnight.

Five people died in Pinellas County during the impact of Hurricane Helene, according to Cathie Perkins, emergency management director. It’s one of the many ways that Helene brought “life-changing impacts” as storm surge reached 8 feet in some areas,

They’re predicting three to six inches of rain, 60 mph winds and think the higher surge and higher tides will stick around for 24 to 36 hours. Cathie Perkins, the director of Pinellas County Emergency Management, said if you flooded during Idalia or Eta, you’re probably going to flood again during Helene.

Pinellas County officials provided an update on Hurricane Helene. Independent Overtakes Republican Senator in Red State: New Poll BLACKPINK: All the Latest Updates on LISA, JENNIE, Rosé & Jisoo | Billboard News UNLV starting QB Matthew Sluka quits amid undefeated season 'It's not taxed at all': Warren Buffett shared the 'best investment' you can make when battling inflation — here are a few ways to put it into action Startup raises $4 million seed round for new game-changing paint product that can address indoor humidity — here's how it works 20 Texan Recipes That Anyone Who Lives There Will Defend Until Their Dying Breath Every Major Car Insurance Company Ranked Worst To Best (According To Consumer Reports) I've been to 20 Caribbean islands — these are the 5 I'd return to and the 2 I'd skip despite having great experiences.