Live updates: City of Naples says many roads 'mostly impassable,' stay home (2024)

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Collier County public schools closed Friday FGCU: No classed on Friday, campus closed How Fifth Avenue South businesses are holding up in Naples City of Naples says many roads 'mostly impassable,' so stay home Marco Island Academy closed Friday Power outages increase after Helene eye passes off coast Collier coastal flooding becoming 'significantly worse' Tide gauge at Naples Bay near major flood stage WM resumes service in Collier County on Friday, Sept. 27 Storm surge causing some transformers to fail, CCSO says Part of Vanderbilt Beach Road closed in North Naples Some Naples roads becoming impassable CCSO releases flooding areas of concern tonight Two Safe Haven locations have closed in Collier County Dangerous surge conditions increasing along Collier County coast Helene now a Category 4 hurricane as it nears Florida landfall City closes Naples Pier ahead of high tide Monitor flooding tonight in Collier County, officials say Collier County schools to reopen Friday NWS: Wind gusts intense at Collier County airports Look out for road debris in Collier: CCSO Hurricane Helene draws onlookers to Bonita Beach Marco police says storm surge will continue into night Power outages surge Thursday as Helene passes off coast Evening storm surge concerns remain in Collier County Naples Airport updates status of buildings, planes CCSO shares video, photos of Everglades City flooding Sign up for Weather Watch alerts via text 'Stay vigilant,' says Collier County Sheriff's Office Goodland Bridge reopens in both directions, more Marco updates U.S. 41-Vanderbilt Beach Road not working, deputies directing traffic Some Collier County roads closed because they're flooded More than 8,000 power outages reported in Collier County Gulf Shore Boulevard South flooded at 13th Avenue South Goodland Bridge closed because of flooding LCEC says it's working to restore power to Marco residents Helene now a Category 2 hurricane Naples police: Avoid roads with water on them Tornado watch issued for Collier County through 8 p.m. CCSO urging drivers to stay off roads today Airport news: Check on flight cancellations at RSW Tracking the storm: Live radar Tornado warning issued for parts of Collier County as Hurricane Helene approaches More coverage References

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Collier County is bracing for any impact from Hurricane Helene today (Sept. 26). The forecast is calling for storm surge ― prediction is 2 to 4 feet along the coast ― and wind impacts, mostly today and into tonight.

This is a developing story and our reporters and photographers are spread out in Collier County and ready to provide coverage, contributing the latest updates on flooding, cancellations and closures, and what you need to know.

Be prepared: What to expect in wind, rain, surge today

GoHEREfor Collier County weather watches, warnings and advisories.

GoHEREfor the latest forecast from AccuWeather.

GoHEREfor live webcam at Naples Pier.

GoHEREfor flight status at RSW.

Live updates: City of Naples says many roads 'mostly impassable,' stay home (1)

Collier County public schools closed Friday

Collier County Public Schools will be closed Friday. The district made the announcement shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday.

Earlier Thursday, the district had said classes would resume Friday after being closed for the day as Helene passed by in the Gulf.

The district said the decision was due to uncertainty because of flooding and power outages. The community was hit hard by storm surge and continued high winds Thursday night.

FGCU: No classed on Friday, campus closed

Based on the information we have received on the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene, and in coordination with other local agencies and school districts, FGCU is canceling all classes and business operations for Friday, Sept. 27. Stay safe, and we plan on returning to normal operations Saturday, as conditions allow.

How Fifth Avenue South businesses are holding up in Naples

Business journalist Laura Layden interviewed Meg Stepanian, executive director of the Fifth Avenue South Business Improvement District in Naples, late Thursday.

"We are holding our own." The 800 block on the city's main street is taking on some water, but the rest of the avenue is "OK now," Stepanian said. She added that police blocked the avenue westbound from U.S. 41 to "try to cut down on driving through water." "Lots of looky-loos," Stepanian said.

City of Naples says many roads 'mostly impassable,' so stay home

The City of Naples is urging people to stay home because roads are impassable, conditions are worsening so people should stay indoors.

"Flooded roads are becoming increasingly dangerous. For your safety, please stay in your homes and off the streets!" the city said on Facebook.

"All roads west and south of U.S. 41 are mostly impassable," the post said.

Marco Island Academy closed Friday

Collier County Public Schools will open Friday but some schools will be closed. Marco Island Academy announced on social media that it would be closed Friday.

Power outages increase after Helene eye passes off coast

Outages have more than doubled since 3 p.m. today. Nearly 17,000 customers were without electricity in Collier County as of 9:30 p.m., according to findenergy.com that tracks data for various electric companies and other agencies.

The breakdown is 16,810 FPL and 284 Lee County Electric Cooperative customers without power. LCEC has some Marco Island customers.

Collier coastal flooding becoming 'significantly worse'

Greater Naples Fire Rescue District has posted on Facebook that flooding in low-lying areas/coastal communities (Everglades City, Plantation Island, Belle Meade, Chokoloskee, Goodland, Isles of Capri, & Port of the Islands) is getting significantly worse.

"Please stay safe and do not drive on flooded roadways," the fire district urged.

Tide gauge at Naples Bay near major flood stage

Another concern is the Naples Bay tide gauge, which has reached major flood stage.

The gauge, which is at City Dock, showed about 6.5 feet at 9 p.m., about a foot less than the maximum amount the gauge reads, 7.5 feet.

WM resumes service in Collier County on Friday, Sept. 27

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, WM of Collier County said it will resume collection services on Friday, Sept. 27, on its regular collection schedule.

Visit www.wmfloridastorm.com for updated information and further resumption of service details.

Storm surge causing some transformers to fail, CCSO says

Transformers are starting to fail in areas experiencing heavy surge, the Collier County sheriff reports.

"It is VERY dangerous to walk in water that may be electrically charged," the Facebook post said. "We are asking people to please stay out of flooded areas ― do NOT go for an evening stroll in flooded areas."

Part of Vanderbilt Beach Road closed in North Naples

Vanderbilt Beach Road is blocked off past Vanderbilt Drive in North Naples, reported photojournalist Jonah Hinebaugh.

Authorities earlier in the day urged residents to look out for roadway flooding tonight from storm surge related to Hurricane Helene.

Some Naples roads becoming impassable

The City of Naples has posted: Hazardous Storm Surge Warning ― Roads Becoming Impassable

"Roadway conditions are rapidly deteriorating," the city said on social media. "The city strongly advises that you stay off the roads. Many of the city’s streets, including most of Gordon Drive and Gulf Shore Boulevard, will soon be impassable."

CCSO releases flooding areas of concern tonight

The Collier County Sheriff's Office has warned that several areas of the county will have roadway or higher flooding tonight from storm surge, and that emergency response may be delayed as a result.

In its Facebook post, the office also shared that one safe haven location will be open all night at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road.

The primary areas of concern for flooding are: City of Naples; Bayshore Drive; Isles of Capri; Brookside - North Road Area; Chokoloskee; Bonita Shores; Gulf Harbor; North Naples - Gulf Shore Drive; Plantation Island and Everglades City; Belle Meade; Goodland; and Gateway Triangle

Two Safe Haven locations have closed in Collier County

The locations, closed as of 6 p.m., are:

East Naples Community Park – 3500 Thomasson Drive

Golden Gate Community Center – 4701 Golden Gate Parkway

Dangerous surge conditions increasing along Collier County coast

The National Weather Service 6:25 p.m. update in Miami said waters were rapidly increasing along the Collier County coast, with a rapid onset of dangerous storm surge conditions. Journalist Mickenzie Hannon also found in the NWS bulletin that tide levels at Naples Bay have already exceeded Thursday morning's high tide, with several more hours until astronomical high tide.

Helene now a Category 4 hurricane as it nears Florida landfall

A NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft investigating Helene recently found that the maximum sustained winds have increased to 130 mph. The National Hurricane Center then announced Helene strengthened to a Category 4 storm.

The minimum central pressure has also decreased to 947 millibars (27.96 inches) based on data. Tropical low-pressure systems are classified as hurricanes when their pressure is980 millibars or lower.

City closes Naples Pier ahead of high tide

The City of Naples has closed the Naples Pier and is strongly urging all residents and visitors to get off the roads immediately.

"Currently, we are already seeing water over multiple roadways, with some becoming completely impassable due to surge waters flooding in from both the bay and the Gulf of Mexico." said Monique Barnhart-Tiberio, city public information officer.

"High tide is still hours away, and conditions are expected to worsen. We are requesting the media's assistance in spreading the word about the pier closure and urging the public to stay off the roads for their safety."

Live updates: City of Naples says many roads 'mostly impassable,' stay home (3)

She reinforced that motorists should not attempt to drive onto roads covered with water.

"Driving through standing water of unknown depths during the day is dangerous; driving through standing water at night could cost you your life," Barnhart-Tiberio said. "It only takes a few inches of water to damage, stall, or even sweep your car away! Don’t risk it. If you see standing water, turn around!"

Monitor flooding tonight in Collier County, officials say

Look out for roadway or higher flooding tonight from storm surge related to Hurricane Helene, Collier city and county officials are urging residents.

Emergency response may be delayed if flooding occurs.

"Please monitor these conditions through the evening hours. If you choose to drive, do so before roadways are affected," said an alert food and dining journalist Diana Biederman said she received.

"A safe haven location is open all night at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Road, Naples."

Collier County schools to reopen Friday

It's back to school for students Friday, the Collier County school district announced on its website.

"As the storm continues to move away from our area and conditions improve overnight in Southwest Florida,we are confirming Collier County Public Schools will be OPEN tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 27).All CCPS scheduled activities will resume, including Friday night football games.

"As students return to school, we understand that every family has unique circumstances and concerns. If you feel it is in the best interest of your child(ren) to keep them home, we fully respect your decision. We kindly ask that you communicate with your child(ren)’s school to validate their absence. This will ensure we maintain clear lines of communication.

"We look forward to welcoming our CCPS family back to our campuses tomorrow. As always, please continue to monitor your email, our District website (collierschools.com), and social media (@collierschools) for the latest information."

NWS: Wind gusts intense at Collier County airports

Winds at Immokalee Airport gusted to 59 mph, while Naples Executive Airport winds gusted to 67 mph in the past 1½ hours, the National Weather Service’s Miami bureau reported around 4:30 p.m. Thursday.Officials said widespread gusts of over 40 mph continue Thursday afternoon.

Stay safe:Collier health officials urge all to stay out of the Gulf waters due to bacteria risk

Look out for road debris in Collier: CCSO

CCSO deputies and municipal crews are trying to keep streets clear of fallen debris, which can pose significant navigation hazards to motorists.

"Windy conditions will continue through tonight and overnight, so if you must be out on the road we urge you to drive carefully and watch out for debris in the road in your travels," CCSO said on Facebook.

Hurricane Helene draws onlookers to Bonita Beach

Residents and visitors flocked to Bonita Beach on Thursday afternoon to see the wind and wave action from Hurricane Helene, observed business journalist Laura Layden.

They stood in the stinging rain, with winds strong enough to knock them sideways, taking pictures and video, as water churned angrily in the Gulf of Mexico. Some went for a swim, while others dipped their toes or sat in the water.

One curious onlooker declared it's "beer weather," as he and a friend arrived with a case of beer. Looking at the fierce waves, the friend exclaimed: "This is sick."

Marco police says storm surge will continue into night

As Hurricane Helene continues toward landfall, Collier County's storm water levels and tide have started to recede, journalist J. Kyle Foster says Marco police posted on social media.

"However, the southeastern side of the storm will continue to bring storm surge throughout the evening, which may be compounded by tonight's high tide before midnight. Coastal waters should return to normal levels by Friday evening," the MPD said.

Marco PD encouraged drives to be mindful and courteous and to "respect road closure signs and do not risk your life or vehicle driving through high water."

"Please do not travel on water-covered roads unless it is absolutely necessary, and do not create waves with your vehicle that might force water into homes and garages."

Live updates: City of Naples says many roads 'mostly impassable,' stay home (5)

Power outages surge Thursday as Helene passes off coast

As reports of higher winds were picking up from Hurricane Helene, so were the number of power outages in Southwest Florida just before 3 p.m. Thursday, In The Know columnist Phil Fernandez reports.

Almost 9,750 customers were without electricity in Collier and Lee counties, as compared to about 7,775 an hour earlier, according to findenergy.com that tracks data for various electric companies and other agencies.

For Lee County, that represents close to 6,000 or about 1.2% of all of Lee while Collier County was right at 3,775 or about 1.4%.

Evening storm surge concerns remain in Collier County

Collier County governmental officials urge residents to not relax, as Hurricane Helene remains a threat for the rest of Thursday.

"As Hurricane Helene continues toward landfall, Collier County’s stormwater levels and tide have started to recede," a 2 p.m. news release said.

"However, the southeastern side of the storm will continue to bring storm surge throughout the evening, which may be compounded by tonight’s high tide before midnight. Coastal waters should return to normal levels by Friday evening."

Keep the following safety tips in mind:

  1. Rain and wind gusts will be intermittent throughout the evening, including during rush hour, so drive safely and be courteous to other drivers.
  2. If you live in a coastal area or another area prone to flooding due to storm surge, monitor water levels throughout the evening and use good judgment.
  3. Please respect road closure signs and do not risk your life or vehicle driving through high water.
  4. Please do not travel on water-covered roads unless it is absolutely necessary, and do not create waves with your vehicles that might force water into homes and garages.
Live updates: City of Naples says many roads 'mostly impassable,' stay home (7)

Naples Airport updates status of buildings, planes

Layden shared an update on Naples Airport, from communications director Robin King.

"Here at the Naples Airport, we are operating normally with limited staffing," King said. "Currently there are no damage at the airport, nor is there any flooding on the runways/ramps. There are no aircraft on our ramp, and there are only 2 flights tentatively scheduled to arrive later tonight."

CCSO shares video, photos of Everglades City flooding

The Collier County Sheriff's Office Facebook site shared video and photos of flooding this morning in Everglades City.

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'Stay vigilant,' says Collier County Sheriff's Office

The Collier County Sheriff's Office warned that while floodwaters are receding in some areas of the county, it doesn't mean flooding won't return. It reminded residents and visitors on Facebook that the "forecast still calls for 3 to 5 feet of storm surge later today and tonight. "Don't get caught off guard. Stay vigilant. If there's water over the road, turn around," it urged.

Goodland Bridge reopens in both directions, more Marco updates

Foster reports that the Goodland Bridge at San Marco Road has reopened in both directions. The bridge had closed this morning because of flooding in both the north and southbound lanes.

Also, both Publix stores on the island are open, Foster said.

U.S. 41-Vanderbilt Beach Road not working, deputies directing traffic

Collier County sheriff's deputies are directing traffic at the intersection of Vanderbilt Beach Road and U.S. 41 North due to the traffic signal lights not working in all directions. Please use extreme caution at this very busy intersection. Expect delays.

Here’s a reminder on what to do if a traffic signal is not operating:

  • Flashing RED signal lights should be treated like a stop sign.
  • Flashing YELLOW signal lights mean that drivers should proceed with caution.
  • NO signal lights should be treated as a four-way stop.

Some Collier County roads closed because they're flooded

The Sheriff's Office says the following roads throughout Collier County are closed or flooded due to impacts from Hurricane Helene. This list will be updated:

In the Bayshore Drive area: Hamilton Avenue, Danford Street, Becca Avenue, Shoreview Drive, and Weeks Avenue are impassable.

Estey Avenue is flooded at Holiday Lane; Brookside Drive is flooded; Gulf Harbor Drive is flooded; and Goodland Drive is flooded.

More than 8,000 power outages reported in Collier County

Crews were working to restore power to 8,114 outages in Collie County, findenergy.com reports.

They're broken down as 7,830 FPL customers and 284 Lee County Electric Cooperative customers without power.

Live updates: City of Naples says many roads 'mostly impassable,' stay home (9)

Gulf Shore Boulevard South flooded at 13th Avenue South

The sun was out near Naples Pier, said photojournalist Jonah Hinebaugh this morning, but Gulf Shore Boulevard South was flooded at 13th Avenue South.

Goodland Bridge closed because of flooding

Journalist J. Kyle Foster reports that Collier County has closed Goodland Bridge at San Marco Road because of flooding for both the north and southbound lanes. This information is from Marco Island Fire and Rescue via social media, Foster said.

UPDATE: Goodland Bridge on the Collier County side (that links to U.S. 41 East) is open, per Marco Island Police Department social media.

LCEC says it's working to restore power to Marco residents

Foster shared information that Lee County Electric Cooperative, serving Marco Island in Collier County, says it has crews on the island and they're working to restore power quickly.

Helene now a Category 2 hurricane

Hurricane Helene continues to strengthen, with winds now at 100 mph, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.Additional strengthening is expected and Helene is expected to be a major hurricane before landfall later tonight. A major hurricane has maximum sustained winds of at least 111 mph, making it a Category 3 storm or higher.

Naples police: Avoid roads with water on them

It seems obvious but sometimes motorists try to drive on streets covered with water. Save yourself ― and your vehicle ― the aggravation and avoid these hazards, Naples police urged residents today.

Naples Police Department

Tornado watch issued for Collier County through 8 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for 15 counties including Collier through 8 p.m. today, Sept. 26.

A tornado watch means conditions exist for a tornado, especially as Hurricane Helene's outer bands pummel Southwest Florida with heavy rain.

CCSO urging drivers to stay off roads today

"Stay off the road if you have that option," the Collier County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post this morning.

"Make sure your devices are charged in the event of a power outage. If you must go somewhere please allow ample travel time, avoid standing water and drive safely."

Collier County Sheriff's Office

Airport news: Check on flight cancellations at RSW

American Airlines and United have cancelled all flights at RSW today. Hurricane Helene Update: Southwest Airlines will now operate three departures this morning. Flight #940 to Baltimore, Flight #4350 to Chicago Midway and Flight #1871 to St. Louis.

Check on arrivals and departures HERE.

Tracking the storm: Live radar

Tornado warning issued for parts of Collier County as Hurricane Helene approaches

Many Neapolitans were awakened at 5 a.m. today by a phone call and text weather alert, stating a tornado warning has been issued for parts of Collier County.

The voicemail and text urged to residents to "immediately seek shelter" in an interior level of the building and to stay away from doors and windows.

Even if hurricanes don't make landfall in an area, their outer bands can spawn tornadoes.

Matt Devitt WINK Weather

More coverage

Live updates: City of Naples says many roads 'mostly impassable,' stay home (2024)

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