Cape Coral Fire Department crews assisted drivers stranded in water Thursday night Courtesy CCFD

While Southwest Florida dodged the total wrath of Category 4 Hurricane Helene, its outer bands certainly brought heavy wind and rain to the area.

Flooding across many areas of the region, including Cape Coral and especially the barrier islands, shut down roads and bridges due to storm surge, which ranged from 3 to 5 feet.

In Cape Coral, city officials said damage was minimal, though effects were felt.

“Cape Coral fared relatively well compared to other areas in the region,” said city spokesperson Kaitlyn Mullen. “While we experienced some storm surge, strong winds, and rainfall, the city saw minimal power outages.”

It was the South Cape that took the brunt of Helene’s power.

“Some areas in South Cape Coral were impacted by significant roadway flooding, particularly near Cape Coral Parkway and surrounding streets,” Mullen said. “Although the water has receded from Cape Coral Parkway (Friday) morning, several nearby side streets still have standing water. These conditions are expected to improve throughout the day, but residents are urged to remain cautious and drive slowly through affected areas.”

Mullen said city crews are actively assessing and cleaning up flood-impacted zones, and that Public Works is also inspecting bridges and stop signs across major roadways to ensure safe travel.

“Residents should stay vigilant while driving today and avoid any flooded areas for their safety,” she said.

Cape Coral police were out and vigilant, ensuring the safety of residents during the severe weather.

“Our officers were very busy last night,” said CCPD officials. “We posted updates on road closures and flooding all night to make sure everyone was safe and not trying to drive into standing water or leave their home when it was not safe to do so. Most of Cape Coral Parkway and everything south of that was severely affected. Our officers continued their normal patrol functions, while also finding ways to help people even when the streets were mostly impassable.”

Police reported there were many vehicles that were flooded, abandoned, and then towed off the main roadway.

“Let that serve as a reminder; do not drive in standing water,” CCPD public affairs said. “It is very dangerous, and most vehicles do not have the ability to take on water. While most of the flooding has subsided, keep these guidelines in mind. Turn around; don’t drown.”

CCPD also suggested that neighbors help neighbors.

“We understand there were a lot of people in our community whose homes experienced flooding once again. We implore everyone to be a good friend and neighbor,” officials said. “If someone is in need of assistance, try to help them out where able. That is the best thing about having a community like ours–we help each other. We will proudly continue to protect and serve our community.”

Cape Coral Fire Department personnel overnight used its new high water rescue brush truck to help stranded motorists get to safety after breaking down in flood waters along Cape Coral Parkway.

“While these waters have mostly receded, when driving, please be cautious of any stand water and debris that may be in the roadway,” fire department officials said.

LCEC spokesperson Karen Ryan said the electric co-op currently has fewer than 1% of customers without power with Pine Island and Sanibel accounting for most of the outages. As of Friday at 1:30 p.m., there were a total of 95 LCEC users in Cape Coral without power.

“There are also a few remaining outages in other areas that were impacted by higher-than-expected storm surge,” Ryan added. “Some of those include underground electric infrastructure that is more complicated due to the storm surge. Crews will continue to work around the clock to restore power.”

Lee County Director of Public Safety Ben Abes provided a countywide update Friday morning on the impacts of Helene.

“Helene presented some challenges for our community, but we appreciate what each of you have done to be as prepared as possible,” Abes said.

“Our Emergency Operations Center remains activated, and we continue to coordinate our efforts with local, state, and federal partners. We also had a number of department crews that were out in the community early this morning, beginning to severe, assess, and respond to the impacts of the storm.”

Abes said the Department of Transportation has assessed all county bridges, and they have been deemed safe. DOT continues to work to remove sand and debris from local roadways, Abes added. On coastal roads, Lee County Sheriff’s Office personnel are accompanying county crews to expedite operations.

“There may be some intermittent traffic delays, but this will help us work faster and re-open these roads sooner,” Abes said.

Regarding the Sanibel Causeway, Abes said as of noon Friday, it has fully reopened.

“If you do not have business or live on our barrier islands, we ask that you refrain from travel into these communities,” Abes said. “There is still a lot of work to be done.

“Many of our coastal communities saw water intrusion into their homes and businesses, and we have staff out assessing this this morning, and this afternoon.”

Abes added that county contractors are “aggressively” collecting garbage, and working extended hours to complete work. Residents should keep their garbage cans at the curb. Yard waste should be placed in a container weighing no more than 50 pounds. It can also be tied into bundles no greater than 50 pounds, or 6 feet in length.

Abes added, “As we continue throughout today to recover from Helene, keep in mind that our hurricane season continues. Thank you for the preparations that you took, and we are here for you as we continue our recovery together.”

Officials at RSW said airlines are operating Friday, but that delays and cancellations are possible. Travelers should check with their airlines for the most up-to-date information.