Hurricane Helene Floods Closed Duke Nuclear Plant in Florida

  • Plant closed since 2013 soaked by 12-foot storm surge
  • Wastewater overflowing, but major leakage seen as unlikely

The nuclear power plant in Crystal River, Florida, in 2023. 

Photographer: Christian Monterrosa/Bloomberg
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Floodwaters from Hurricane Helene have swamped a retired Duke Energy Corp. nuclear power plant, according to a filing with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, though an escape of contaminated fuel appears unlikely.

The Crystal River plant, which has been shuttered since 2013, experienced a storm surge of as much as 12 feet, according to the filing, which was posted online.