Hurricane Helene, now with winds at 125 mph, has sent rain, wind and storm surge into Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Officials in Manatee County began the recovery process Friday morning after Hurricane Helene slammed through the area as a major Category 4 storm. Damage and flooding have been reported throughout the Bradenton area, including severe flooding on Anna Maria Island, Cortez and along the Manatee River.

After three days of closures, Sarasota County public schools have been cleared to open Monday. Manatee County has also planned a Monday reopening.