Facing Hurricane Helene: A Storm That Hit Closer Than Expected

This isn’t your typical corporate entertainment blog post. Most of the time, I’m sharing stories about game shows and team-building events, but after Hurricane Helene hit, I wanted to share a different experience—one of weathering the storm and its aftermath. Even though Helene’s center was 130 miles west of my hometown Ruskin, the storm surge still made its way to our neighborhood, bringing unexpected challenges.

Precautionary Measures: Preparing for the Surge

I had been through Hurricane Idalia the year before, so I knew what to expect. Idalia’s 4-5 foot storm surge had flooded our yard, but the house remained safe. Helene was a different story, with predictions of a 5-8 foot surge, which would have been a record for our area. That was enough for me to move all my game show equipment and our family memory totes into the house. I took extra care to place everything in the garage above the highest mark I thought the water might reach.

A Tense Night: Watching the Water Rise

Around 7 PM, I was baking cookies to get my mind off the storm when I realized I was missing a couple of key ingredients. I made a quick run to the store (yes, still open). When I left, the roads were clear of water, but by the time I returned at 7:30, storm surge had already started creeping into the streets. I knew from the coverage on TV and my own knowledge of hurricanes that things were going to get worse. Every 30 minutes, I checked the water, growing more anxious as it started filling my garage around 11 PM.

By 11:30, the garage had about a foot of water. Our power went out, and I could only hope that it wouldn’t get worse. I feared my car would be submerged, but thankfully, the water stopped rising by 1:30 AM, just before high tide.

Grateful for Safety

While my house, which sits slightly elevated, was spared the worst, many homes around me were not so lucky. Neighbors experienced water inside their homes as the storm surge rose rapidly. While I’m grateful my family and I stayed safe, I was reminded of the power of storm surge and how unpredictable it can be.

The storm did cost me two game show events, which was disappointing. But considering the widespread damage in our community, I’m thankful my business and home are still intact.

The Toll on Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas

While my house was spared, Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on Florida’s west coast, and its effects reached far beyond. Many of my neighbors faced severe flooding, and cities like Tampa and Bradenton were inundated with storm surge. In Georgia and the Carolinas, torrential rains caused flash flooding, uprooting lives and leaving widespread damage in their wake.

Advice for Future Storms

Take the warnings seriously and prepare for the worst. Storm surge is unpredictable and can quickly overwhelm areas that seem safe. My experience is a reminder that it’s better to over-prepare than to be caught off guard.

How Can You Help Those in Need

As we recover from Hurricane Helene, many communities are still struggling to rebuild. If you’re able, please consider donating to support disaster relief efforts. The American Red Cross is working tirelessly to provide aid to those affected. You can help by clicking the banner below to donate.