Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a warning to residents to remain indoors and off roadways as Hurricane Helene brings significant storm surge and flooding to parts of the state. The governor emphasized the hazardous conditions caused by the storm surge, particularly in Southwest Florida and the Tampa Bay area.
During a news conference in Tallahassee, Governor DeSantis highlighted the ongoing flooding on streets and the dangers of travel due to the impact of Hurricane Helene. The storm surge is expected to continue affecting the west coast of Florida, leading to further flooding and unsafe road conditions.
As a precautionary measure, major bridges in areas like Tampa Bay have been closed to traffic. The Florida Department of Transportation will conduct inspections and reopen the bridges once it is deemed safe to do so, according to the governor.
Given the rapid movement of Hurricane Helene through the state, Governor DeSantis urged residents to stay indoors to avoid potential risks such as flooding, downed trees, and power lines. He emphasized the importance of remaining indoors even during periods of calm, as the storm is still active and poses significant hazards.
“You may have a period of calm when you are in the eye of the storm,” Governor DeSantis stated. “Just understand that the storm is not done, and it’s very, very hazardous to go out there, especially with how fast this storm is moving.”
