Tampa Bay Area Beaches Hit Hard By Helene

The Tampa Bay area took a beating from Hurricane Helene, even though the region wasn't directly in the storm's path.

A week later, several feet of sand covered roads along barrier islands in places like Pinellas County, leaving cars buried and residents left to dig themselves out. Giant piles were stacked along some streets, as were pieces of people's ruined lives – soggy furniture, appliances, kids' toys.

The scene was similar on b​arrier islands in Manatee and Sarasota counties, on the south side of the bay.

Pinellas is comprised of a peninsula surrounded by Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Communities along the Gulf beaches include Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach and Clearwater Beach.

H​ow Helene Impacted Pinellas County Beaches:

-​Storm surge topped 7 feet in some areas. "Every building, every house has been affected," Jennifer McMahon, assistant city manager of St. Pete Beach, told the Tampa Bay Times.

-​As of Tuesday, anyone is allowed to access the area without restriction. However, some beaches remain closed and residents and elected officials are asking tourists and looky-loos to stay away. "Clogging our roadways and public spaces will hinder our recovery efforts, making it harder for those who live and work here to get back on their feet," the city of Treasure Island said in a social media update.

-​At least nine people died on the barrier islands, which were under a mandatory evacuation. The Pinellas County Sheriff's said all appeared to have drowned.

W​eather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles adds:

-While the core of Helene stayed well off the coast from Southwest and West-Central Florida, its large wind field collected enormous amounts of water from the southern and eastern Gulf of Mexico, then shoved it onto normally dry land from Naples to St. Marks.

-As sea level rises continue, future storms will continue to batter these barrier islands and coastal sections of land with more force.

W​hat Else To Know:

-​Anyone with a booked vacation rental or other accommodations should contact the owner or agent to find out their status. Some are giving refunds or allowing changes, while others are not.

-​Here's a short list of how to help in Florida and beyond.

-​Anyone impacted by the storms may be eligible for assistance from FEMA.

M​ORE ON WEATHER.COM

-​Florida Big Bend Residents Grapple With Rebuilding After 3rd Hurricane In 13 Months

-​100 Dogs And Cats Evacuated From Asheville, North Carolina

-​Photos Show Helene's Damage From Florida to Appalachia

Weather.com reporter Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.