Pinellas County residents who live on the barrier islands and evacuated ahead of Hurricane Helene are still waiting to assess the storm damage.

Thousands of residents along the Tampa Bay area’s beachside communities were told to leave Wednesday morning as Hurricane Helene threatened potentially record-breaking surge of more than five feet. Those who defied the orders, from St. Pete Beach north to Redington Shores, told the Tampa Bay Times it’s a decision they quickly regretted.

Five people died in Pinellas County during the impact of Hurricane Helene, according to Cathie Perkins, emergency management director. It’s one of the many ways that Helene brought “life-changing impacts” as storm surge reached over 8 feet in some areas,