Hurricane Helene is continuing its trek toward Florida’s Big Bend region, but in the meantime, South Florida residents were feeling the effects of the storm on local roads and beaches.
In Boca Raton, residents gathered at the South Beach Pavilion to watch a few surfers brave the strong rip currents and breaking waves to catch a ride. Sand blew through the air at high speeds, pelting people’s cell phones and cameras while uncomfortably needling their legs.
The dune line along many beaches took the brunt of damage. In Boca Raton, an escarpment – an area where a small “cliff” forms midway along the beach berm – began to take hold up and down the city’s oceanfront. Some debris – mostly palm branches and coconut shells – lingered in the surf and occasionally washed up on the sand. Lifeguards flew red flags and kept a watchful eye on the few beachgoers who ventured onto the sand. A smaller few tempted fate and took a close-in swim despite the strong undertoe and constant wave action.
Rough surf generated by Hurricane Helene in Boca Raton, FL, Sept. 26, 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)