Isolated thunderstorms developed in the evening hours across portions of southeast Georgia. One thunderstorm in Effingham County became strong enough to produce damaging wind gusts.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS CHS wrote it up.
Isolated thunderstorms developed in the evening hours across portions of southeast Georgia. One thunderstorm in Effingham County became strong enough to produce damaging wind gusts.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Charleston, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Sep 21, 4:42 PM EST, 2 hours 41 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Charleston SC 542 PM EDT Thu Sep 21 2017 .SYNOPSIS... High pressure will prevail through this weekend. The high will weaken and shift inland as Hurricane Maria tracks northward off the Southeast U.S. coast through the first half of next week. && .NEAR TERM /UNTIL 6 AM FRIDAY MORNING/... Updated the forecast to increase pops across interior areas next few hours as scattered showers/tstms have developed. A few of the storms have become strong to locally severe late this afternoon and this risk will continue through sunset, mainly along outflow boundary collisions. A few showers or thunderstorms could linger into early tonight, but a diminishing trend is anticipated due to a loss of daytime heating. Weak high pressure and diminishing cloud cover should support decoupling winds and another fair radiational cooling night. Guidance suggests temps will dip into the upper 60s inland to lower 70s near the coast. These temps along with dewpts remaining in the upper 60s inland to around 70 closer to the coast suggests the potential of fog developing over some locations after midnight, especially inland where winds go calm and showers and/or thunderstorms are experienced this evening. && .SHORT TERM /6 AM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SUNDAY/... A weak upper trough pattern and lingering low-level moisture on Friday will support isolated showers/tstms mainly in the afternoon associated with the sea breeze. As dry high pressure steadily builds down the east coast, the best rain chances on Saturday will be across southeast GA where better moisture resides. By Sunday all areas should be too dry to support precipitation. Above normal temps expected with highs in the mid to upper 80s. && .LONG TERM /SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY/... Inland high pressure will persist through early next week while confidence is increasing that Hurricane Maria will remain offshore of the Southeast U.S. coast as it tracks north through the middle of next week. Some showers could skirt coastal areas early next week as Maria passes by but otherwise mainly dry conditions are anticipated. Temperatures look to stay above normal. && .AVIATION /22Z THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/... Primary concern: * Fog Scattered showers/tstms should remain west of the terminals before dissipating. Shallow ground fog likely again early Friday as skies clear, winds go calm and low-level moisture pools. Given the shallow nature of the fog, vsbys could be high variable. Will carry MIFG at both sites roughly 08-09z through daybreak, but keep conditions above MVFR thresholds for now. This will be reevaluated for the 06z TAF cycle. Extended Aviation Outlook: Low probability for brief flight restrictions in early morning fog and/or low clouds Saturday morning and in mainly afternoon showers/thunderstorms Friday at KCHS/KSAV and at KSAV Saturday. && .MARINE... This Evening and Tonight: Fairly tranquil conditions are expected within weak sfc high pressure over the coastal waters. In general south/southeast near 10 kt will become east 5 kt later tonight. Seas will range between 1-2 ft nearshore and 2-3 ft in offshore Georgia waters early, but will slowly build up to 3-4 ft mainly in a long period swell after midnight. Friday through Monday: The main issue will be building swells associated with offshore Hurricane Maria. Some 6 ft seas are expected to push into outer GA waters by late Fri afternoon and the nearshore waters by Sat morning. A prolonged period of Small Craft Advisories are expected. Rip Currents: Swell from offshore Hurricane Maria will slowly build at the beaches. This results in a Moderate Risk of rip currents through Friday and will likely maintain an elevated risk through early to mid next week. && .TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING... A light onshore wind along with long-period swell and astronomical influences could lead to minor coastal flooding along parts of the Southeast South Carolina coast during/near high tide early tonight. A Coastal Flood Advisory could be needed. Powerful surf created by offshore Hurricane Maria will drive significant wave run-up, which could cause further beach erosion this weekend into early next week. Also, the potential for shallow salt water flooding will persist through early next week around the times of high tide, particularly along the SC coast. && .CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... GA...None. SC...None. MARINE...None. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Charleston SC 336 PM EDT Thu Sep 21 2017 GAZ117-119-139-141-SCZ048>051-221945- Coastal Bryan-Coastal Chatham-Coastal Liberty-Coastal McIntosh- Beaufort-Coastal Colleton-Charleston-Coastal Jasper- 336 PM EDT Thu Sep 21 2017 ...MODERATE RISK FOR RIP CURRENTS IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Moderate Risk for Rip Currents. Coastal Flooding: Minor inundation of saltwater will be possible in low-lying coastal areas around the time of high tide early tonight, mainly along the South Carolina coast. Thus, A Coastal Flood Advisory could be needed. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Moderate Risk for Rip Currents. Coastal Flooding: Minor inundation of saltwater will be possible in low-lying coastal areas into early next week around the times of high tide, mainly along the South Carolina coast. Thus, Coastal Flood Advisories could be needed. Rip Currents: Increasing swells from Hurricane Maria will lead to an increased risk late this week into early next week. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. AMZ330-350-352-354-374-GAZ087-088-099>101-114>116-118-137-138-140- SCZ040-042>045-047-052-221945- Charleston Harbor- Waters from South Santee River to Edisto Beach SC out 20 nm- Waters from Edisto Beach SC to Savannah GA out 20 nm- Waters from Savannah GA to Altamaha Sound GA out 20 nm...including Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary- Waters from Savannah GA to Altamaha Sound GA extending from 20 to 60 nm-Jenkins-Screven-Candler-Bulloch-Effingham-Tattnall-Evans- Inland Bryan-Inland Chatham-Long-Inland Liberty-Inland McIntosh- Allendale-Hampton-Inland Colleton-Dorchester-Inland Berkeley- Inland Jasper-Tidal Berkeley- 336 PM EDT Thu Sep 21 2017 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters, southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. .DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
345 PM EDT THU SEP 21 2017
SCZ042-212015-
Hampton-
345 PM EDT THU SEP 21 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF HAMPTON COUNTY...
At 345 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm over Gifford, or over Lake Warren State Park.
This storm was nearly stationary.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Hampton, Lake Warren State Park, Brunson and Gifford.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Report damage directly to the Charleston National Weather Service at
1-888-383-2024 when it is safe to do so. You can also email your
report to nws.charlestonsc@noaa.gov.
&&
LAT...LON 3283 8110 3284 8125 3291 8125 3291 8124
3292 8124 3292 8123 3293 8112
TIME...MOT...LOC 1945Z 002DEG 2KT 3287 8120Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
404 PM EDT THU SEP 21 2017
SCZ044-045-050-052-212030-
Inland Berkeley-Tidal Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester-
404 PM EDT THU SEP 21 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF CHARLESTON...BERKELEY
AND DORCHESTER COUNTIES...
At 404 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm near Goose Creek. This storm was nearly
stationary.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan,
Naval Weapons Station Charleston, Ladson and Archdale.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas. Do not drive your
vehicle through flooded roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 3299 8015 3302 7993 3289 7988 3288 8012
TIME...MOT...LOC 2004Z 354DEG 3KT 3295 8005Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
440 PM EDT THU SEP 21 2017
SCZ043-044-050-212115-
Charleston-Inland Colleton-Dorchester-
440 PM EDT THU SEP 21 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF CHARLESTON...COLLETON
AND DORCHESTER COUNTIES...
At 440 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm near Delemar Crossroads, or 7 miles southwest of
Slands Bridge. This storm was nearly stationary.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and excessive cloud to ground
lightning.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. All outdoor activities should
cease. Move indoors immediately.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Delemar Crossroads.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Excessive cloud to ground lightning is occurring. Avoid using metal
equipment and keep distance from objects such as irrigation systems,
poles, fences and trees. Livestock and outdoor pets are particularly
vulnerable in open fields and should be taken into shelters if time
permits.
&&
LAT...LON 3298 8038 3289 8020 3278 8030 3289 8051
TIME...MOT...LOC 2040Z 035DEG 3KT 3289 8034Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
524 PM EDT THU SEP 21 2017
SCZ043-049-212200-
Coastal Colleton-Inland Colleton-
524 PM EDT THU SEP 21 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF COLLETON COUNTY...
At 524 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm near Round O, or 8 miles southeast of Walterboro,
moving southwest at 5 mph.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and excessive cloud to ground
lightning.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. All outdoor activities should
cease. Move indoors immediately.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Jacksonboro, Ashepoo and Ritter.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Report damage directly to the Charleston National Weather Service at
1-888-383-2024 when it is safe to do so. You can also email your
report to nws.charlestonsc@noaa.gov.
&&
LAT...LON 3284 8039 3281 8040 3279 8043 3278 8043
3276 8045 3273 8045 3266 8051 3282 8072
3295 8057
TIME...MOT...LOC 2124Z 036DEG 5KT 3285 8054Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Charleston SC
627 PM EDT THU SEP 21 2017
SCZ045-212245-
Inland Berkeley-
627 PM EDT THU SEP 21 2017
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF BERKELEY COUNTY...
...MARINERS ON LAKE MOULTRIE SHOULD SEEK SAFE HARBOR...
At 627 PM EDT, National Weather Service doppler radar indicated a
strong thunderstorm over St. Stephen, or 16 miles north of Moncks
Corner. This storm was nearly stationary.
HAZARD...strong winds 45 to 55 mph and excessive cloud to ground
lightning.
IMPACT...Expect minor damage to tree limbs and blowing around of
light, unsecured objects. All outdoor activities should
cease. Move indoors immediately.
Some locations in the path of this storm include...
Bonneau, Northern Lake Moultrie and Saint Stephen.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Boaters on Lake Moultrie should seek safe harbor immediately. If
caught on the open water, stay as low as possible and wear a personal
flotation device. Remember, if you can hear thunder you are at risk
for being struck by lightning.
This storm may intensify. Be certain to monitor local radio and TV
stations as well as local cable TV outlets for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3349 7995 3346 7991 3345 7988 3343 7987
3343 7988 3340 7986 3339 7984 3327 7988
3339 8016 3350 7999
TIME...MOT...LOC 2227Z 026DEG 4KT 3343 7996The Charleston,SC radar (KCLX), 49 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 00:22 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Effingham County dispatch reported multiple trees and power lines down across Highway 17 between Gracen Road and Keith Road. Another tree was down across Gracen Road at Old Louisville Court.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Georgia in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyWarnings in Georgia, September 2017
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 718383.