However, much of Florida, including the Tampa Bay region, continued to be under a storm surge warning early Friday morning.

In a special update from the National Hurricane Center, Helene made landfall just east of the mouth of the Aucilla River.

Residents are told by sheriffs to write their name on their arms in permanent ink 'so that you can be identified and family ...

Hurricane Helene, now with winds at 125 mph, has sent rain, wind and storm surge into Sarasota and Manatee counties.