A Tampa resident, Matt Heller, has captured the internet’s attention after a TikTok video showed him navigating his flooded home in a kayak as Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Gulf Coast and Panhandle. The Category 4 hurricane brought significant storm surges, causing Heller’s house to be submerged under approximately four feet of water.
In the now-viral video, Heller is seen paddling calmly through his living room in a purple kayak. Reflecting on the unusual situation, he told CNN that the kayak was part of his emergency preparedness plan, but he never anticipated using it indoors. “I didn’t think I was gonna need it in my living room,” he explained, recalling how quickly the floodwaters rose—about four feet in just an hour and a half.
Despite losing power due to the storm, Heller remained resourceful, relying on candles for light as he rode out the storm. He noted that his home had never experienced such extreme flooding before, underscoring the severity of Hurricane Helene’s impact on the region.
Tampa Bay recorded unprecedented storm surges, with East Bay experiencing a staggering 7.19 feet surge, breaking the previous record of 4.56 feet set in 2023. As residents in the area recover from the aftermath of the storm, Heller’s unique experience has resonated with many, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of hurricanes and the importance of preparedness.
