Reporting from Treasure Island, Fla.
NBC News’ Guad Venegas reports on search and rescue efforts in Florida’s Barrier Islands, where deadly storm surge from Hurricane Helene rushed into homes and businesses.
At least nine people died in Pinellas County, which includes the cities of Treasure Island and Indian Rocks Beach. All nine appear to have drowned in their homes, officials said.
“Water is the number one killer. That’s why the evacuation orders exist,” Diana Matty with Florida Urban Search and Rescue said.