Hurricane Helene

A deadline is fast approaching to get money to pay for damages from hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Small Business Administration — SBA — is offering loans to businesses and people who had losses in the storms.

2024 had a series of weather extremes and once in a lifetime events. Here is a look back at the top weather events of 2024.

Nearly 3 months after Helene, survivors face bleak conditions in western North Carolina as the holidays rapidly approach

The season, which ends Nov. 30, produced 18 named storms, including 11 turbocharged hurricanes along with Helene and Milton, which devastated the Tampa Bay area.

Federal agencies hope to replenish funds for disaster recovery, which will certainly affect Florida.

SBA disaster loan applications for damage caused by Hurricane Helene need to be in by Nov. 27. Loans help fill the gap between what insurance and FEMA has paid and what people need to rebuild.

"All of those people came together because they knew how important it was to get the kids back on the island and back in their school. So, I just feel really, really grateful,” said Principal Katie Fradley.

WGCU's videographers visited Englewood and Manasota Key to explore the damage and to talk with residents as they recover from Hurricane Milton.

FEMA held a press conference in Punta Gorda to discuss disaster relief assistance for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Officials emphasized the importance of registering for aid, addressed concerns about the Disaster Relief Fund, and announced an extended grace period for residents with lapsed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies.

Hurricane Helene dropped an unheard-of 40 trillion gallons of water, creating a water quality and quantity crisis on the ground in inland states affected by the Category 4 storm that made landfall in Florida. Part One of WGCU's Water Quality Report: Hurricane Helene Special Edtion