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While a direct hit is not forecasted for Southwest Florida, Helene’s outer bands will certainly be felt locally, producing tropical-storm-force winds.
The city of Cape Coral’s Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor the storm, which is expected to bring windy and rainy conditions Wednesday night through Thursday.
Cape Coral City Hall and ancillary offices will be closed on Thursday, however, essential personnel will be working to respond to the city’s needs during the weather event.
The city’s Emergency Operations Center will elevate to a level two activation beginning Thursday morning, which is a partial activation, said Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter via a Wednesday afternoon message.
“Staff will continue coordinating with state and federal partners, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, the National Hurricane Center, and local agencies,” Gunter said.
Lee County opened two Safe Havens for those needing secure shelter located at:
• North Fort Myers Recreation Center: 2000 North Recreation Parkway
• Estero Recreation Center: 9200 Corkscrew Palms Boulevard
Waste Pro trash and recycling pickup is canceled Thursday in the Cape. Collections will shift one day, as Thursday collection will occur Friday, and Friday collection will occur Saturday.
The city’s Residential Bulk Waste Drop-Off Site is closed Thursday and is scheduled to reopen Friday.
All indoor and outdoor programs after 4 p.m. Wednesday and all day Thursday are canceled in Cape Coral.
Coral Oaks Golf Course closed at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and will remain closed through Thursday. All Cape Coral park facilities and recreation centers are closed Thursday.
The city offered tips for residents to stay safe and prepared during the impacts of Helene:
• Ensure you have enough food, water, and supplies on hand to sustain your household for 72 hours after a storm hits.
• Refrain from cutting trees, doing major yard work, or placing large amounts of bulk waste at the curb, as excess debris strains collection services.
• Secure loose items that could become projectiles before any approaching storm; this includes Waste Collection Totes.
Monitor reputable local media outlets, the National Weather Service-Tampa, and the National Hurricane Center.
City officials encouraged resents to follow the City of Cape Coral Government on Facebook for current, up-to-date information at www.facebook.com/CityofCapeCoral and online at www.CapeCoral.gov for additional resources.
Sign up for Alert Lee to receive emergency messages directly to a cell phone. Register for free at www.alertlee.com.
In the event of a city-wide outage (power, internet, cell-service, etc.) use your hand-crank radio to tune into B-103.9, and visit any Cape Coral fire station for emergency information.
According to the 4 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center, Helene will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico Wednesday night and Thursday, and cross the Florida Big Bend coast Thursday evening. After landfall, Helene is expected to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday.
“Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 25 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 345 miles,” officials said.
Lee County has established a landing page dedicated to Hurricane Helene so that residents, businesses and organizations can easily check updates on county operations related to the storm, which is anticipated to bring inclement weather to residents tonight and throughout Thursday.
Visit www.leegov.com/hurricane/helene for the latest information.
Lee County offices will be closed Thursday. The web page will continue to be updated as employees working in emergency roles will continue in their duties.
There have been no evacuation orders for Lee County and no evacuation shelters are open.