As Hurricane Helene unleashed its storm surge across Florida, Tampa resident Matt Heller resorted to an unconventional survival method paddling through his flooded living room in an emergency kayak. This surreal moment was captured in a viral TikTok video, showcasing the extent of the water damage in his home.
Good afternoon everyone,
A Tampa Bay man ended up kayaking in his living room after flooding that entered his home during Hurricane Helene.
Video courtesy of Matt Heller. pic.twitter.com/EVVratc1U3
— Kernow Weather Team (@KWTWeather) September 27, 2024
Heller recounted the sudden surge of water, describing it as a force that “came out of nowhere,” with levels rising to an astonishing four feet within just 90 minutes. “The kayak was my escape plan in case stuff got too hairy,” he told CNN. “I didn’t think I was gonna need it in my living room.” Reflecting on the situation, he noted, “This is definitely the biggest flood we’ve ever had.” Despite initially having power, the situation deteriorated, forcing him to rely on candles after the electricity failed.
The storm posed unprecedented challenges to the Tampa Bay area, with local officials reporting record-breaking storm surges. Water levels in some areas reached up to seven feet, prompting authorities to issue warnings of possible surges between five and eight feet. In preparation for the flooding, Tampa General Hospital, located on Davis Islands, constructed a 15-foot water barrier to safeguard against the advancing floodwaters.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm late Thursday, causing widespread destruction. The storm has left millions without power and claimed at least three lives. As Helene moved into Georgia, it was downgraded to a Category 2 storm but continued to wreak havoc across the region.
