In Clearwater, one of the hardest-hit regions, water levels surged to a record 8.6 feet, eclipsing the previous high of 6.8 feet. Similarly, in East Bay, levels peaked at 7.3 feet, surpassing the old record of 6.7 feet.

Hurricane Helene produced a record storm surge from around the Tampa metro northward through Florida’s Big Bend. The surge level was estimated to have reached over 10 feet in Cedar Key and caused significant damage along the coast.