Damaging Wind in Florida, August 15, 1994

Tropical Storm Beryl formed in the northeast Gulf of Mexico and moved slowly east northeast, crossing the Florida panhandle coastline near Panama City at 8 PM EST, July 15. At landfall the minimum central pressure was 1000 mb and the maximum sustained wind was estimated at 58 mph. The maximum reported storm tide of 2.9 feet and the greatest rainfall total of 10.69 inches were observed at Apalachicola, but somewhat higher values likely occurred to the east of this location. Beryl weakened to a tropical depression as it moved northeast into extreme southwest Georgia at 8 AM EST, July 16. There were no deaths and only 1 injury directly attributable to Beryl and damage was estimated at $5.9 million. Coastal damage included tidal flooding which undermined a few roads and houses and eroded beaches and sea walls. A number of moored boats were damaged and three persons on a fishing boat offshore the panhandle had to be rescued. Winds did minor roof damage and downed trees and signs along the coast. Inland, trees were blown down damaging roofs and power was lost to 20,000 customers. The heavy rain caused flooding of low lying areas which lasted more than a week, damaging houses and vehicles. The oyster beds in Apalachicola Bay were once again contaminated.