A residents tells the BBC her family had to swim out of home as floodwaters from Helene rose to their shoulders.

In Clearwater, one of the hardest-hit regions, water levels surged to a record 8.6 feet, eclipsing the previous high of 6.8 feet. Similarly, in East Bay, levels peaked at 7.3 feet, surpassing the old record of 6.7 feet.

Hurricane Helene is projected to have a storm surge that could go as high as 20 feet. Here's what to know about storm surges and damage they cause.

FOX 35 speaks with Jason Evans, professor of environmental science at Stetson University, shares the power of storm surge brought on by hurricanes.

Storm surge is a bigger killer than wind when a major hurricane hits shore. The areas in the path of Hurricane Helene are more susceptible to surge than other parts of Florida's coast.

KHOU 11 meteorologist Chris Ramirez breaks down the science behind storm surge and why it’s one of the deadliest threats during hurricanes.

Hurricane Helene produced a record storm surge from around the Tampa metro northward through Florida’s Big Bend. The surge level was estimated to have reached over 10 feet in Cedar Key and caused significant damage along the coast.

When a hurricane threatens the United States, a lot of attention is focused on the path and the wind speed. Storm surge can be just as important to monitor, because it can quickly cause extreme destruction and death.