Emergency crews in Citrus County, Florida, located north of Tampa, have been working tirelessly to conduct more than 100 water rescues in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The storm surge, which currently stands at around 10 feet, has prompted a significant response from first responders.
According to County Sheriff Mike Prendergast, the ongoing efforts have resulted in the rescue of over 50 pets, with no reports of deaths or serious injuries in Citrus County thus far. Sheriff Prendergast attributed the need for water rescues to the substantial storm surge caused by Hurricane Helene, comparing it to the impact of Hurricane Idalia just over a year ago.
Prendergast estimated that the storm surge could reach approximately 10 feet, pending confirmation from the National Weather Service following their survey. The Sheriff's Office has been working in collaboration with Citrus County Fire Rescue, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, which has deployed an airboat to assist in the rescue efforts.
The joint efforts of these agencies highlight the coordinated response to the emergency situation in Citrus County, emphasizing the importance of swift and effective action in the face of natural disasters. As the situation continues to unfold, emergency crews remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and animals affected by the storm surge.
