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Call us (877) 451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Lakeland, FL
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Southeastern University in Lakeland to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Lakeland, FL is so important to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Lakeland. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Lake Morton in Lakeland, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Lakeland.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Lakeland, FL
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Grand Villa of Lakeland in Lakeland for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Lakeland, FL, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Lakeland?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Lake Parker Park in Lakeland. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40+ years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Lakeland, FL, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Hollis Garden in Lakeland, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Lakeland restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Lakeland, FL, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Lakeland, FL
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Lakeland, FL, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Nineteen61 in Lakeland. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Lakeland rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Lakeland, FL
Tropical Storm Milton forms in Gulf of Mexico, could intensify as a hurricane threatening Florida
Canadian Presshttps://www.lakelandtoday.ca/world-news/tropical-storm-milton-forms-in-gulf-of-mexico-could-intensify-as-a-hurricane-threatening-florida-9617962
MIAMI (AP) — A storm system that was brewing in the Gulf of Mexico earlier Saturday has strengthened into Tropical Storm Milton, with forecasters warning it could intensify into a hurricane headed to Florida next week.Tropical Storm Milton is about 220 miles (355 kilometers) north-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said in a 1:25 p.m. EDT advisory.Though no coastal watches or warnings were in effect, the hurricane center said the Florida Peninsula, the Florida Keys, Mexico's Yucatan peni...
MIAMI (AP) — A storm system that was brewing in the Gulf of Mexico earlier Saturday has strengthened into Tropical Storm Milton, with forecasters warning it could intensify into a hurricane headed to Florida next week.
Tropical Storm Milton is about 220 miles (355 kilometers) north-northeast of Veracruz, Mexico, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said in a 1:25 p.m. EDT advisory.
Though no coastal watches or warnings were in effect, the hurricane center said the Florida Peninsula, the Florida Keys, Mexico's Yucatan peninsula and the northwestern Bahamas should monitor the system’s progress.
The storm is forecast to strengthen and bring the risk of life-threatening impacts to portions of Florida's West Coast next week, with hurricane and storm-surge watches likely being in effect Sunday. Parts of Florida are expected to have heavy rainfall beginning Sunday. The rainfall will bring the risk of flash, urban, and areal flooding, along with some river flooding.
“There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge and wind impacts for portions of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula beginning late Tuesday or Wednesday. Residents in these areas should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place, follow any advice given by local officials, and check back for updates to the forecast,” the center said.
Looking further east, Leslie has strengthened into a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean but isn’t threatening land, forecasters said.
The storm was located Saturday about 725 miles (1,170 kilometers) west-southwest of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands and had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph). There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect.
Meanwhile, Hurricane Kirk remained a Category 4 major hurricane, and waves from the system were affecting the Leeward Islands, Bermuda, and the Greater Antilles, forecasters said. The storm's swells were expected to spread to the East Coast of the United States, the Atlantic Coast of Canada and the Bahamas on Saturday night and Sunday.
Forecasters warned the waves could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Kirk was expected to weaken starting Saturday, the center said.
Though there were no coastal warnings or watches in effect for Kirk, the center said those in the Azores, where swells could hit Monday, should monitor the storm's progress.
Kirk was about 975 miles (1,570 kilometers) east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (209 kph).
The storms churned as rescuers in the U.S. Southeast searched for people unaccounted for after Hurricane Helene struck last week, leaving behind a trail of death and catastrophic damage.
The Associated Press
Hurricane Helene Left Lakeland Mostly With Debris to Pick Up
Kimberly C. Moorehttps://www.lkldnow.com/hurricane-helene-left-lakeland-mostly-with-debris-to-pick-up/
3-minute readLakeland and Polk County escaped relatively unscathed when winds and rains from Hurricane Helene swirled through on Thursday night.The worst local damage was to two houses that were hit by fallen trees, according to Paul Womble, Polk County’s emergency services director. One is on Deeson Road in north Lakeland, and the other is in Mulberry.Cleanup: Many Lakeland residents woke up to yards full of fallen branches and tree debris. Similar debris littered many neighborhood roads.City of La...
3-minute read
Lakeland and Polk County escaped relatively unscathed when winds and rains from Hurricane Helene swirled through on Thursday night.
The worst local damage was to two houses that were hit by fallen trees, according to Paul Womble, Polk County’s emergency services director. One is on Deeson Road in north Lakeland, and the other is in Mulberry.
Cleanup: Many Lakeland residents woke up to yards full of fallen branches and tree debris. Similar debris littered many neighborhood roads.
City of Lakeland crews circulated in trucks to clear some of the larger piles of fallen tree limbs.
Landfall: The Category 4 storm slammed into the Big Bend area at the sleepy town of Dekle Beach, with winds up to 140 mph. Catastrophic and historic storm surges were seen from Apalchee Bay to Venice Beach.
All of Taylor County, population 22,000, was without power within an hour of the massive storm coming ashore.
Statewide more than 1.24 million lost power during the storm, but 1.16 million of them were restored by crews that were standing by, Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a news conference.
Local power outages: Lakeland Electric reported that 4,800 customers lost power at some point during the storm. At 1 p.m. today, Lakeland Electric’s outage map showed 30 outages affecting 443 customers remained. Lakeland Electric is on standby to send crews to North Florida.
During the storm, a tornado warning was issued at 6:48 p.m. when weather radar spotted a rotational motion near the Polk-Hillsborough line south of State Road 60. But officials said it quickly dissipated.
The top wind speed recorded in Polk County was 59 mph in Fort Meade, according to Jeff Foley, a spokesman for Polk County government.
Lending a hand: Forty-five employees of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Polk Fire Rescue left Bartow at 6:45 a.m. in a convoy headed to Perry, the county seat in Taylor County, to provide assistance.
The convoy included mobile command centers, mobile kitchen, showers, bunks, generators, water tanks, fuel trucks, a swamp buggy, boats, ATV’s, patrol cars, and ambulances.
They will provide law enforcement and assist with rescues and recovery, working in 12-hour shifts.
Hurricane Hunters: The Lakeland-based Hurricane Hunters – part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – had a bit of scare as they flew through the storm Thursday afternoon. The crew of the NOAA WP-3D, nicknamed “Kermit,” was momentarily stuck circling within the eye of the storm. NOAA’s hurricane hunters routinely fly through storms and into the eye, dropping probes that transmit data to the team.
“During their second of four eyewall passes in Hurricane Helene, the crew orbited within the eye to release a second uncrewed aircraft system for research purposes,” a statement on Facebook read. “The crew was also evaluating if landing conditions would allow a return to home base instead of point of origin. Thank you for your concern. ’Kermit’ and crew are fine.”
Hurricane Helene live updates: How storm is affecting schools, flights, Florida weather
Howard Cohenhttps://www.miamiherald.com/news/weather/hurricane/article293044914.html
Here’s what to know about Hurricane Helene in Florida on Thursday. This live updates report will be updated throughout the day.▪ Hurricane Helene strengthens to Category 3, en route to make landfall Thursday night in the Gulf Coast region along Florida’s Big Bend at or near the state capital as a Cat 3 with major storm surge of around 20 feet in some areas. Minutes after the 2 p.m. National Hurric...
Here’s what to know about Hurricane Helene in Florida on Thursday. This live updates report will be updated throughout the day.
▪ Hurricane Helene strengthens to Category 3, en route to make landfall Thursday night in the Gulf Coast region along Florida’s Big Bend at or near the state capital as a Cat 3 with major storm surge of around 20 feet in some areas. Minutes after the 2 p.m. National Hurricane Center advisory winds had climbed to 120 mph to hit the new threshold. Helene was about 195 miles southwest of Tampa but its winds extended outward up to 345 miles from the center.
▪ South Florida feeling wind gusts greater than 60 mph, with the strongest so far at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
8:30, 9/26: Here's a quick look at the peak wind gusts over the last 3 hours. FLL Airport saw the strongest gust this morning at 64 mph when a strong thunderstorm moved through. Similar conditions could be possible as additional bands from #Helene come through. Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/ndvrBKjD5K
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) September 26, 2024
▪ Helene one of the largest Gulf Coast storms in decades. “The system could stretch more than 400 miles across by Thursday afternoon when its center is expected to pass about 125 miles off the coast of Tampa Bay toward landfall in the Panhandle,” Tampa Bay Times reports.
Only four named storms this century have been as large over the Gulf of Mexico (measured by the extent of tropical storm winds) as Helene is forecast to become by tomorrow:Irma (2017)Ike (2008)Ivan (2004)Isidore (2002) pic.twitter.com/0wlWRLdMzV
— Michael Lowry (@MichaelRLowry) September 25, 2024
READ MORE: When and where will Hurricane Helene hit land in Florida? What to know about arrival
Sunshine Skyway Bridge that connects Manatee County with Tampa and St. Petersburg closed temporarily around 1:30 p.m. Thursday when wind gusts hit 60 mph, the Bradenton Herald reported.
The system stayed almost 300 miles from the Island chain as it moved north. But Helene’s a blowsy broad mass so there was some flooding from storm surge at the Instagram hotspot Southernmost Point as well as at Elizabeth Street and Eisenhower Drive. South Roosevelt Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard were closed and are expected to reopen later Thursday.
KNOW MORE: How did the Florida Keys get through Hurricane Helene? ‘It’s all starting to recede now’
If Weather Channel star Jim Cantore is in your town, this is not cause for celebration. He’s in Florida Thursday. Find out where at the link. He was in Tallahassee earlier in the day with wise advice. Don’t stick around for a chat. “All of your preparations should be done,” he said. “If you were asked to evacuate, I hope you have.”
In South Florida, Publix, Winn-Dixie, Aldi and all the other supermarkets are open as usual. So are malls and shopping centers including Aventura, Dadeland, The Falls and Sawgrass. Walgreens and CVS are open. So are big-box stores Target and Walmart.
Stores in affected areas on the Gulf Coast and in the Panhandle may be closed or with modified hours. For instance, Thursday morning 65 Publix stores were listed under modified hours — many of them in the Tallahassee area and a couple not far from Tampa such as Bokeelia and Spring Hill.
Given the potential for tropical storm-force winds and flooding rain bands in South Florida some schools closed Thursday.
Closed Thursday:
▪ Broward County Public Schools.
▪ Monroe County Schools.
▪ Florida Atlantic University.
▪ The College of the Florida Keys.
▪ University of Florida.
▪ University of Central Florida.
Open Thursday:
▪ Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Outdoor athletics canceled.
▪ University of Miami. All campuses, classes, indoor events and clinical activities are on. Outdoor events rescheduled.
▪ Florida International University. All functioning normally, says spokeswoman Maydel Santana.
Are Florida airports open? Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airports are open Thursday.
Orlando International, Jacksonville International, Southwest International airports are open.
Tampa International, Tallahassee International, St. Pete-Clearwater International are closed Thursday.
Cancellations and delays locally:
At Miami International Airport as of 3 p.m. on Thursday, 44 arrivals and 40 departures were canceled due to Helene.
The airport has stayed open and is operating at full capacity. Greg Chin, communications director for the Miami-Dade Aviation Department said MIA should remain open Thursday night and into Friday morning and day. Flights would only get suspended by the FAA if sustained winds reach 55 mph, Chin said. “Winds are not forecast to reach anywhere near that here,” he said.
.Earlier in the day several flights to cities in Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean and the East Coast were affected. Three departures to Cuba were also delayed.
At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, 27 arrivals and 26 departures were expected to be canceled as of 9:30 a.m., said spokeswoman Arlene Satchell. Places affected include Montreal, Nassau and Punta Cana.
FLL also expects 15 delays: 5 arrivals and 10 departures. Affected cities include Atlanta, New York City, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.
Satchell said in addition to Helene, other factors such as aircraft issues and air traffic control could be contributing. She also recommended travelers check with their airlines for the most up-to-date flight status before heading to the airport.
— VINOD SREEHARSHA
Live stream cameras along Florida beaches are capturing the major storm’s impacts along the Gulf Coast.
What can a storm the size of Helene do to Florida? A Cat 3 hurricane, as Helene is forecast to be when it makes landfall somewhere near the Panhandle, can be strong enough to blow in the door of a building or rip the siding from a house.
This story was originally published September 26, 2024, 10:58 AM.
Live Helene updates for Polk County: Storm with possible tornado heading toward Lakeland
The Ledgerhttps://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2024/09/26/hurricane-helene-polk-county-tornado-flood-watches-in-effect/75390485007/
Lakeland Ledger(This story was updated to include new information.) Tornado warning issued for Polk as fierce storm speeds north toward Medulla, Lakeland LinderA tornado warning was issued for Polk County at 6:48 p.m. The National Weather Service said, "a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 10 miles south of Medulla, 10 miles east of Fish Hawk, moving north at 60 mph." Weather radar indicated rotation in the storm. The storm was heading toward Medulla, Lakeland, Plant City ...
Lakeland Ledger
(This story was updated to include new information.)
Tornado warning issued for Polk as fierce storm speeds north toward Medulla, Lakeland Linder
A tornado warning was issued for Polk County at 6:48 p.m. The National Weather Service said, "a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 10 miles south of Medulla, 10 miles east of Fish Hawk, moving north at 60 mph." Weather radar indicated rotation in the storm. The storm was heading toward Medulla, Lakeland, Plant City and Lakeland Linder airport.
Other areas included in the alert were Crystal Lake, Lakeland Highlands and Mulberry.
Early Thursday forecast
Polk County residents should brace for Hurricane Helene to bring stronger winds, but potentially less rain than anticipated to the region Thursday.
While Helene has strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane moving north across the Gulf of Mexico in the past 24 hours, its local impact will be more like a tropical storm, according to meteorologist Matt Anderson of the National Weather Service's Tampa Bay office.
Tornado watch in effect for Polk County
A tornado watch has been issued for Polk through 8 p.m. Thursday, and most of Florida's peninsula. Because of Helene's large size, Anderson said tropical storm force winds measured at more than 40 mph extend more than 300 miles from the eye of the storm.
A tornado watch means that the weather conditions are favorable for the formation of tornados, Anderson said, as the rain bands passing over Polk could produce rotation. It can be upgraded to a tornado warning quickly if forecasters spot something on radar that indicates a tornado is imminent.
There are some early reports of a tornado touching down near Fort Myers early Thursday morning, Anderson said, and a few unconfirmed sightings farther south. There were no reports any closer to Polk as of 9:45 a.m. Thursday.
How much rain will Polk County see?
Polk residents were told to expect to see between 3 to 6 inches of rainfall Thursday as the storm passes through the region. Latest forecasts predict the actual amount may be far less.
"We may not quite realize that amount," Anderson said. " There are some gaps in the rain bands we are seeing."
There is a current of dry air that is moving into the storm, according to Anderson. Polk will see bands of heavy rain interspaced with lengthy breaks throughout Thursday.
"We may even see some sun today," he said.
Despite this, a Flood Watch does remain in effect for Polk. Anderson said the region's rivers are anticipated to stay at or below a low flood stage.
Electrical Outages update
5:45 p.m. Update: There's an increasing number of electrical outages across Polk County as Helene's strong winds bear down on the area. Here's a look by utility provider:
Some of the large clusters of power outages reported by these electric provides include:
Bus Service
5 p.m. update: The public transit system for Polk County, Citrus Connection, will be running Friday on its regular schedule, said its General Manager Tom Phillips, just after 4 p.m. Thursday.
Electrical outages updates
3:35 p.m. update: Electrical outages continue to grow across Polk County as winds pick up across the region. The region's utility companies are reporting:
Some of the large clusters of outages reported by the region's electric utilities include:
Auburndale update
Update 1:20 p.m.: In Auburndale, City Manager Jeff Tillman said, "Our Sanitation collection crews did run today (Thursday) and have picked up all of the normally scheduled houses on their routes today without much interruption. They did have to get out of the weather for a little bit this morning, but once the rain subsided they were able to continue and got everything picked up safely."
All Auburndale city offices were open Thursday. The city did close all of its outdoor athletic facilities for the day. They are expected to reopen Friday.
Lakeland Electric sees pocket of power outages
Update 1:25 p.m.: Lakeland Electric is reporting it has one power outage affecting 59 customers as of 1:20 p.m. Thursday, according to the utility's Power Outage Map. The loss of power is impacting an area in Lakeland Highlands, south of Polk Parkway and west of U.S. 98. The posted estimate for restoration of power is by 8:45 p.m.
Bartow emergency declaration
Update 1 p.m.: The Bartow Commission issued an emergency declaration on Wednesday evening that will run until the next commission meeting in October.
Bartow has several flood-prone areas, including Avenue T and the Peace River Mobile Home Park. Those areas and others saw flooding in 2022 when Hurricane Ian hit Bartow with high rainfall amounts.
Before enacting the declaration, the commission heard from city department heads about potential public services delays.
Even if rainfall is normal during Helene, a deluge upstream from Bartow could mean higher Peace River water levels by the weekend and into early next week.
This year, the water level of the Peace River is currently lower at 6.7 feet compared with conditions during prior storms, the commission was told. The city has minor flooding when the river reaches 8 feet and major flooding at 9 feet.
In 2022, because of impacts from Ian, an emergency declaration was issued after minor flooding had already started and levels were already more than 8 feet high.
The Bartow golf course is closed Thursday, but city parks remain open for normal hours of operation. The top of the golf course is likely to reopen Friday, but city staff are monitoring the lower half of the course to determine if that portion of the course needs to remain close or can be reopened.
City trash collection is continuing but delays on Friday are possible depending on how severe weather conditions get.
In Mulberry, government offices are closed Thursday and Friday with just City Manager Rick Johnson and public works and utilities staffs working during the storm.
More than 1,300 Duke customers without power in Polk
Duke Energy Co. is reporting over 1,300 customers are without power in Polk as of 10:45 a.m. Thursday. There are 21 active power outages largely along the east side of the county, with more than 1,000 outages in the Dundee-Lake Hamilton area. Duke's website reads that repairs and damage assessment is underway.
More than 2,500 TECO customers without power in Polk
Tampa Electric Co. is reporting over 2,500 customers without electricity in east Polk, in an area ranging from Auburndale south to the Inwood area of Winter Haven as of 10:10 a.m. Thursday.
Avelo cancels flights
Avelo Airlines has canceled its passenger flights out of Lakeland Linder airport on Thursday because of the weather, according to Airport Director Kris Hallstrand.
Grocery stores and hurricane supplies
For Gulf Coast residents and some inland areas, it's too late to go to Publix for groceries and hurricane supplies. It’s the same for Walmart.
In Polk County, all stores are open.
According to the Publix Super Markets Inc. website, stores within the predicted path of Hurricane Helene are closed, including Panhandle stores in all of Tallahassee and Panama City. The closures extend inland as far north as Albany, Georgia.
The Publix store closures start just north of Sarasota along the Gulf Coast to the Hernando Beach-Pine Island areas.
Grocer Winn-Dixie showed more than a dozen closings on Thursday.
A similar pattern on Walmart’s website showed Thursday morning that 35 of its stores and Sam’s Club locations were closed.
Trash collection
According to Polk County Solid Waste Director Dale Henderson, “Polk County is continuing to provide normal collection and disposal services today (Thursday).
“I do not foresee that changing; however, we will continue to monitor weather conditions,” he said. “In the event that conditions for whatever reason become unsafe, we will pause operations until all clear.”
Polk County collection and disposal of refuse is currently by the county and two other vendors.
Trash collection and curbside recycling remained normal on Thursday in the cities of Bartow, Winter Haven and Davenport, city representatives said.
Lakeland’s Light Rain Bands from Helene Are Expected to Intensify Tonight
Barry Friedmanhttps://www.lkldnow.com/lakelands-light-bands-from-helene-are-expected-to-intensify-tonight/
3-minute readLight showers fell briefly over parts of Lakeland early this afternoon, marking the first sign of rain and winds from Hurricane Helene that are expected to intensify tonight and Thursday as the storm marches north in the Gulf of Mexico toward an anticipated landfall in the Panhandle Thursday evening.More Polk County organizations announced they would be closed or altering operations because of the storm since LkldNow reported that Polk County ...
3-minute read
Light showers fell briefly over parts of Lakeland early this afternoon, marking the first sign of rain and winds from Hurricane Helene that are expected to intensify tonight and Thursday as the storm marches north in the Gulf of Mexico toward an anticipated landfall in the Panhandle Thursday evening.
More Polk County organizations announced they would be closed or altering operations because of the storm since LkldNow reported that Polk County public schools would be closed Thursday and Friday.
Helene remained a Category 1 storm when the National Weather Service reported at 2 p.m. that it was located just northeast of the tip of the Yucatan and traveling north-northwest at 10 mph with 80 mph sustained winds. Hurricane-force winds extended 25 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds could be felt 275 miles away.
The size of the storm has led to increased warnings throughout Florida, with Polk County upgraded today from tropical storm watch to tropical storm warning.
Polk could get 3 to 6 inches of rain Thursday with wind gusts between 35 mph up to 74 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Storm-related closings around Lakeland include:
Buses: Citrus Connection is suspending all service on Thursday.
Colleges/Universities: Florida Southern College has shifted all Thursday and Friday classes to virtual. Polk State College cancelled Thursday and Friday classes. Florida Polytechnic University’s campus will be closed Thursday. Southeastern University says it will post announcements here.
Courts in Florida’s 10th Judicial District and the Clerk of Court office will close Thursday and are scheduled to reopen Friday. Jurors summoned for Thursday should not report.
Bonnet Springs Park and the Florida Children’s Museum will be closed on Thursday.
Peace River Center will suspend in-person appointments at noon Thursday; telehealth appointments will continue and crisis services remain available 24 hours.
Polk Tax Collector offices will close Thursday. All Thursday appointments will be honored on a priority basis through Oct. 28, spokeswoman Ashleigh Mills said.
Watson Clinic plans to remain open.
Polk sandbag sites remain open until 5:30 p.m. today. Lakeland-area locations are Loyce E. Harpe Park, 500 W. Carter Road and 8970 N. Campbell Road.
City of Lakeland parks and public buildings are scheduled to remain open, according to city spokesman Kevin Cook. Solid-waste pickups are still scheduled since the Polk County landfill is staying open, he said. Polk County also plans to maintain its solid waste collections.
Publix Super Markets had no plans to close Polk County stores as of this afternoon, although some stores in coastal counties will be closing on Thursday.
Lakeland Linder Airport plans to remain open; Director Kris Hallstrand said that Amazon will cease cargo operations tonight until the storm passes. Avelo Airlines is monitoring the storm to decide whether to cancel its Thursday morning flight to New Haven.
Central Florida Development Council’s annual meeting, originally scheduled for Thursday, has been delayed to Oct. 23.
Polk Vision’s Mayors Roundtable, has been postponed from Thursday to Oct. 31.
• Hurricane Prep – United Way of Central Florida
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