DEALERSHIPS in multiple states have closed their doors due to flooding from Hurricane Helene and there’s no timeline for reopening.
Helene hit Florida late Friday night and swamped the south eastern part of the country leaving 50 dead.
The Category 4 hurricane is brought winds of up to 140mph and is one of the strongest to his the US.
Storm surges across large parts of the Gulf Coast with the highest peaking at 15-20ft between Carrabelle and the Suwannee River.
Helene is now moving up into Georgia where more deaths are feared.
Several dealerships closed in anticipation of the hurricane, according to CBT news.
Large auto retailer CarMax temporarily closed seven locations across Florida and Alabama while monitoring ten additional sites for potential closures.
Morgan Auto Group, based in Tampa, closed its Sun Toyota and Toyota of Tampa Bay dealerships.
Other Tampa-based locations under the group, including Audi Tampa, Porsche Tampa, and Volkswagen of North Tampa, shut.
Victory Layne Chevrolet in Fort Myers and Capital Eurocars in Tallahassee also closed.
A massive six to 12 inches of rain were expected to hit parts of the southeastern US, with isolated totals even reaching 18 inches.
The National Hurricane Center said preliminary information shows water levels were at 15ft above ground in the region.
The National Hurricane Center said on X: “Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
“A catastrophic and deadly storm surge is likely along portions of the Florida Big Bend coast, where inundation could reach as high as 20 feet above ground level, along with destructive waves.
“There is also a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the remainder of the west coast of the Florida Peninsula.
“Residents in those areas should follow advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so.”
