Support local journalism with a digital subscription for as low as $1 a month for the first 12 months.Lee County is bracing for any impact from Helene today (Sept. 26). The forecast is calling for storm surge ― prediction is 3 to 5 feet along the coast ― and wind impacts, mostly today and into tonight.This is a developing story and our reporters and photographers are providing coverage from different locations in Lee County, contributing the latest updates on flooding, cancellations and closures, and what you need to know.➤ Hurricane Helene weather in Lee today: What to expect, when and whereGo HERE for Lee County weather watches, warnings and advisories.Go HERE for latest forecast from AccuWeather.Go: LCEC power map is HERE.Go: FPL’s tracker is HERE.Go HERE for United States power outage trackerGo HERE for flight status at RSW.Go HERE for live webcam at Naples Pier.Photo gallery: Fort Myers beach flooding Health department advisory: Water quality a concern with HeleneIn a social media post at 1:30 p.m., the Florida Department of Health in Lee County reminded residents to keep children from playing in floodwater, as it may contain fecal matter and they can become sick or be bitten by snakes or floating insects. Times Square on Fort Myers Beach popular spot for storm ‘lookers’Onlookers are gathering near Times Square on Fort Myers Beach as Hurricane Helene plows through the Gulf of MexicoBreaking waves were pounding the old pier and nearby seawall, spraying saltwater into the air.The Category 2 storm is expected to bring 3-to-5 feet of storm surge to Fort Myers Beach later today.The high tide this morning caused minor flooding near the pier, but the waters receded by midday.Winds are expected to pick up in the next few hours, approaching tropical storm force (which start at 39 miles per hour).Some cars are still trying to leave the island, and many of them have stalled near the bottom of the Matanzas Bridge.Harry Lopez, of Cape Coral, came to the beach with family to see the big waves and gusty winds.“I’m just curious about the storm,” he said. “I moved here just after Ian, so I didn’t experience that. But this is kind of wild.” Where are power outages from Helene? Lights out in some places on the barrier islandsFrom reporter Amy Williams:More than 200 people are without power on Sanibel and Captiva, Lee County Electric Cooperative reports.That’s 2.4% of the islands’ 9,863 customers.The lights went out this morning, and should be restored by 1:30, according to its tracking map: https://www.lcec.net/storm-center/outage-map/https://www.lcec.net/storm-center/outage-map/On neighboring Pine Island, 82 of the coop’s 7,556 customers are dark. What streets are flooded and closed in downtown Fort Myers?Mickenzie Hannon reports the following:Additional Road Closures Due to Flooding:West First Street from Monroe Street to Carson StreetHeitman Street from Main Street to West First StreetSouthbound ramp from Caloosahatchee Bridge onto West First StreetDowntown corridor closures:Bay Street/Hendry StreetBay Street/Heitman StreetWest First Street/Wilna StreetWest First Street/Beau RivageHendry Street/Edwards DriveBay Street/Dean StreetWest First Street/Clifford StreetThe Fort Myers Police Department ask residents to avoid these areas and limit travel as flooding from the river is expected to worsen, especially as winds shift later today. According to a 12:34 p.m. update, the northbound Edison Bridge remains closed, as well as First Street from Seaboard Street to Hough Street, along with all residential side streets in the area. Town Hall will reopen FridayFort Myers Beach Town Hall will open at 10 a.m. Friday, the Town shared in a 12:30 p.m. press release. Regular business hours will resume on Monday. The Town apologized for any inconvenience and appreciate residents’ understanding. Cape Coral seeing some minor flooding on streets What streets are flooded, closed in City of Fort Myers?This just in from reporter Mickenzie Hannon via X (formerly known as Twitter):As of 12:10 p.m. today (Sept. 26), the following intersections in the downtown Fort Myers corridor are closed due to roadway flooding from the river:Bay Street and Hendry StreetBay Street and Heitman StreetWest First Street and Wilna AvenueWest First Street and Beau Rivag …
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