Historic Storm Surge in Tampa Bay Pushes Helene’s Damages to $160 Billion

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on September 27, 2024, as a Category 4 storm, has left a trail of destruction across the southeastern United States. The storm’s impact on Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas has been particularly severe, with record-breaking storm surge and catastrophic flooding contributing to staggering economic losses.

Unprecedented Storm Surge

Tampa Bay experienced historic storm surge levels during Hurricane Helene, with tide gauges reporting 6 to 10 feet of surge across the region. These levels were the highest recorded since the 1940s in some areas, causing extensive damage to coastal properties and infrastructure.