Irma first developed into a tropical storm on August 30th about 420 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands, and within 24 hours strengthened into a hurricane. Irma continued to intensify and became a major hurricane over the eastern Atlantic on September 1st.
Every event with a place to put it; 6 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. 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.
Irma first developed into a tropical storm on August 30th about 420 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands, and within 24 hours strengthened into a hurricane. Irma continued to intensify and became a major hurricane over the eastern Atlantic on September 1st. After undergoing a brief period of weakening on September 2nd, Irma once again strengthened into a major hurricane on September 3rd and maintained major hurricane status through September 10th when it made landfall on the southwest Florida coast. During this extended period as a major hurricane, Irma set numerous intensity records for a hurricane in the Atlantic basin. Maximum sustained winds reached 185 mph, making Irma the strongest storm on record to exist in the Atlantic Ocean outside of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Also, Irma’s 185 mph maximum sustained winds are tied for the second strongest maximum winds all time in an Atlantic hurricane. The minimum central pressure reached during Irma’s life cycle was 914 mb which is the lowest pressure on record by an Atlantic hurricane outside of the western Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Furthermore, Irma maintained Category 5 status for 3 consecutive days which is the longest on record for an Atlantic hurricane. Irma stayed on a general westward track through September 5th when it began a gradual turn to the west-northwest. On this west-northwestward track, Irma eventually skirted along the north coast of Cuba on September 9th before turning northward toward Florida on September 10th. Irma officially made landfall at Marco Island, FL at 3:35 pm September 10 as a Category 3 hurricane. Following landfall, Irma tracked to the north-northwest and eventually the northwest as it progressed up the western side of the Florida peninsula. Irma steadily weakened during this time and was downgraded to a tropical storm near the big bend of Florida at 8:00 am on September 11th. Through the rest of September 11th, Irma tracked to the northwest into southern Georgia and widespread impacts occurred across the Southeast.
Despite the fact that the center of Irma tracked well to the west of the southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina region, it still caused significant impacts due to heavy rainfall, strong winds, tornadoes, and storm surge. Feeder bands around Irma continuously moved onshore on September 11th and produced very heavy rainfall rates with rainfall totals generally ranging from 3 to 9 inches. The peak storm total rainfall of 9.07 was recorded by a CoCoRaHS observer near Beaufort, SC. Daily record rainfall totals for September 11th were recorded at all 3 climate sites in the area: 5.51 at the Charleston International Airport (KCHS), 4.53 at Downtown Charleston (KCXM), and 4.74 at the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport (KSAV). This widespread heavy rain resulted in several reports of flash flooding with water entering homes and businesses. Wind damage produced numerous power outages across the region with some damage to structures and numerous downed trees. The strongest winds were confined to coastal locations, but frequent gusts into the 40-50 mph range occurred well inland. The maximum sustained wind recorded was 59 mph by the Weatherflow site on the Folly Beach Pier (XFOL) and the maximum wind gust recorded was 76 mph by the Weatherflow site near Beaufort (XBUF). One fatality and 1 injury occurred from trees falling on homes and across roadways in southeast South Carolina. The entire southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina coast was impacted by storm surge generally ranging from 3 to 6 feet. This storm surge produced numerous reports of 4 to 6 feet of inundation above ground level, mainly along the southeast South Carolina coast. A peak surge of 4.87 feet occurred at the Charleston Harbor tide gauge at 2:00 pm while a peak surge of 5.63 feet occurred at the Fort Pulaski tide gauge at 5:42 am. Significant beach erosion occurred at area beaches with widespread damage to docks and piers all along the coast, as well as numerous reports of inundated roadways.
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 11, 4:54 AM EST, 1 hour 6 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Charleston SC
554 AM EDT Mon Sep 11 2017
.SYNOPSIS...
Irma will move northward into southwest Georgia and Alabama tonight.
Warmer weather will return during the middle of the week and persist
until the weekend.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
Pre-dawn: Hurricane Irma was riding the northwest coast of Florida
headed for southwest GA later today. Soaking tropical rainfall
has spread into southeast GA including our zones along and south
of I-16. Across coastal McIntosh County, rains have exceeded 4
inches to this point. Evaporative cooling has produced a cooler
and more stable than expected low level atmosphere over land
areas this morning. Temps have been steady in the lower to mid
60s overnight. Recently we have seen a gusts to hurricane force
in northeast Florida with KJAX velocities showing over 100 KT
at 925 MB or 2500 feet. We left the Hurricane Watch in place in
respect to the uncertainties with the strength and evolution of
the intense band lifting northward. Instability has had a hard
time working onshore boundary not from the intra- coastal. A
tornado watch remains in effect for the GA coastal zones while
all other tropical headlines remain intact.
Today: Irma continues to leave a mark across the region as wind
fields have expanded to enormous proportions this morning and
there have already been reports that surge across parts of
northeast Florida have been almost as significant has hurricane
Matthew last year. We continue to have a multi-faceted risk for
dangerous weather conditions today, even though the system is
weakening moving NNW. Dangerous surge conditions are expected
at Fort Pulaski with near top of the curve tidal anamolies
anticipated up and down the coast around high tide today.
Severe Weather: The stable layer is forecast to weaken with time
later this morning and into the afternoon. Until then, we do
not expect expansions to the current tornado watch until this
destabilization trend develops. There is immense shear available
today and we will be closely watching dry air bands between
convective bands and certainly any breaks in the clouds that
would develop.
Winds: Tropical Storm force winds were impacting coastal sections
this morning, with Tropical Storm force gusts to occur over
much of the region at different intervals today. As spiral
rainbands around Irma move in, winds could occasionally gust as
high as 50 or 60 mph at times, as models are showing at least
45-50 kt of 925 mb winds. This morning 925 MB were even higher
along coastal GA and we may still see occasional gusts to
hurricane force south of the Savannah River from Tybee Island to
Sapelo Island.
Temps: We have low confidence in diurnal temp curves today as
evaporative cooling had made it very stable over land areas this
morning. Deep tropical moisture moving over the stable plane
will eventually nudge the temps and dew points into the 70s
later today, inland areas perhaps slower than forecast.
Flooding Rainfall: See HYDROLOGY section below.
For more detailed potential impact information refer to our
Hurricane Local Statement /HLS/, Tropical Cyclone Watch/Warning
Statement /TCV/, and/or Hurricane Threats/Impacts Graphics which are
all available from our website at:
http:/weather.gov/chs/tropical_briefing
&&
.SHORT TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
The remnants of Irma are expected to be centered over the TN Valley
Tuesday, moving northward slightly on Wednesday, then finally
shifting into the OH Valley on Thursday. A generally warmer and
somewhat drier pattern is expected for our area. Tuesday will be dry
and mostly sunny. Wednesday will have some moisture increasing from
the south, leading to slight chance POPs. More moisture continues
moving into our area on Thursday, leading to a chance of
showers/thunderstorms. High temperatures will be in the mid 80s
Tuesday, warming into the mid/upper 80s Wednesday and Thursday. Lows
will range from the mid/upper 60s well inland to the lower 70s at
the immediate coast.
&&
.LONG TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/...
A trough will be over the Northeastern states Thursday night,
lifting away this weekend. Near or slightly above normal
temperatures are expected with isolated to scattered mainly diurnal
convection. Hurricane Jose is expected to be far offshore this
weekend.
&&
.AVIATION /09Z MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY/...
Conditions were gradually deteriorating at both terminals early
this morning. KSAV seeing MVFR conditions and KCHS will follow
suit overnight. There is a Tropical Storm Warning for both
terminals and we expected periods of torrential rains, Surface
wind gusts in the 40-50 KT range with chances of greater than
50 KT gusts in convective bands. Isolated tornadoes are also
possible. Rains and winds are expected to diminish from south
to north after 00Z as a slot of drier air shifts north between
the main band of moisture and the deep moisture associated with
the core of Irma.
Extended Aviation Outlook: Brief flight restrictions are possible in
afternoon/evening showers/thunderstorms, mainly Thursday and Friday.
&&
.MARINE...
There is now a Hurricane Warning for GA waters as gusts in the
60-64 kt range may occur between 09Z and 15Z today.
Monday through Friday: Tropical storm conditions will prevail
today with some gusts to hurricane force possible mainly south
of the Savannah River leading to very dangerous conditions.
Seas will likely reach near 25 feet out near the Gulf Stream
and peak 14-17 ft in the near shore waters waters. Small craft
should remain in port!
Wind fields will diminish tonight as the gradient weakens with
Irma losing her grip across southeast GA and southern SC.
Conditions will slowly improve after midnight and we expect
SCA conditions to supplant tropical warnings. Seas will
diminish to 5-8 ft near shore and 8-10 ft well offshore late.
Tuesday through Saturday: Conditions will improve as Irma moves
inland. We'll likely have advisories up for all of the coastal
waters due to seas Tuesday. As seas subside Tuesday night, the
advisories should end for the waters within 20 nm, but continue for
the offshore GA waters into Wednesday morning. No other significant
wind/seas concerns are expected until Friday. By late Friday into
Saturday, seas will begin to build as swells from Hurricane Jose
impact the area.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for the entire forecast area
through late tonight.
The best chance for significant flooding will be along the
coast due to the very high tides expected through this evening.
Torrential rainfall is expected to coincide with a particularly
high tide and max storm surge 11 AM to 4 PM today, and very
significant flooding could result. We have not made significant
changes to the storm total QPF with 4-8 inches across the
forecast area and perhaps some 10 inch amount along the southern
barrier islands of southeast GA.
Beyond the immediate flash flood threat, river flooding will become
a concern Tuesday or Wednesday. Some river points could exceed major
flood stage if current QPF numbers verify over the headwaters.
&&
.TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
Onshore flow in the tropical storm force range today will
persist as Irma makes the closest approach. These forecast wind
directions/speeds and the surge produced by Irma's approach
will favor significant inundation along our coastal areas, with
the highest tide levels with the midday high tide today.
Increasing swell energy will also enhance the tidal anomalies.
Tides have been running high for a few days already followed the
full moon, so the underlying tides are also somewhat high,
including during low tide. Tides at 5 AM were running 3 ft above
predicted at Downtown Charleston and 5 ft over at Fort Pulaski.
The low tide is struggling to get out at all with the strong
onshore flow. This is a very bad sign leading up to high tide
later today.
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the entire southeast
Georgia and southeast South Carolina coast, with 4-6 feet of
inundation above ground level in low-lying coastal areas
expected. Such tide levels, when combined with the large
breaking waves, would result in significant coastal flood
damage, beach erosion, and cut off access routes to/from barrier
islands.
&&
.CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...Flash Flood Watch through late tonight for GAZ087-088-099>101-
114>119-137>141.
Tropical Storm Warning for GAZ087-088-099>101-114>119-137>141.
Hurricane Watch for GAZ116>119-138>141.
SC...Flash Flood Watch through late tonight for SCZ040-042>045-
047>052.
Tropical Storm Warning for SCZ040-042>045-047>052.
Hurricane Watch for SCZ047>049-051.
MARINE...Tropical Storm Warning for AMZ330-350-352.
Hurricane Watch for AMZ352.
Hurricane Warning for AMZ354-374.
&&
NEAR TERM...
SHORT TERM...MS
LONG TERM...MS
AVIATION...MS
MARINE...MS
HYDROLOGY...
TIDES/COASTAL FLOODING...
CLIMATE...Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Charleston SC 608 AM EDT Mon Sep 11 2017 GAZ116>119-138>141-121015- Inland Bryan-Coastal Bryan-Inland Chatham-Coastal Chatham- Inland Liberty-Coastal Liberty-Inland McIntosh-Coastal McIntosh- 608 AM EDT Mon Sep 11 2017 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... ...TORNADO WATCH 484 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING... ...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT... ...HURRICANE WATCH IN EFFECT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Tornado Watch. Flash Flood Watch. Hurricane Watch. Tropical Storm Warning. Severe Weather: There is a risk for isolated tornadoes, especially across coastal areas of southeast Georgia late tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Hurricane Watch. Tropical Storm Warning. Severe Weather: There is a risk for isolated tornadoes on Monday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. GAZ087-088-099>101-114-115-SCZ040-042>045-050-052-121015- Jenkins-Screven-Candler-Bulloch-Effingham-Tattnall-Evans-Allendale- Hampton-Inland Colleton-Dorchester-Inland Berkeley-Charleston- Tidal Berkeley- 608 AM EDT Mon Sep 11 2017 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... ...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. Tropical Storm Warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Tropical Storm Warning. Severe Weather: There is a risk for isolated tornadoes on Monday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. SCZ047>049-051-121015- Inland Jasper-Beaufort-Coastal Colleton-Coastal Jasper- 608 AM EDT Mon Sep 11 2017 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... ...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT... ...HURRICANE WATCH IN EFFECT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast South Carolina. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. Hurricane Watch. Tropical Storm Warning. Severe Weather: There is a risk for isolated tornadoes, especially across coastal areas of southeast Georgia late tonight. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Hurricane Watch. Tropical Storm Warning. Severe Weather: There is a risk for isolated tornadoes on Monday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. GAZ137-121015- Long- 608 AM EDT Mon Sep 11 2017 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE TONIGHT... ...TORNADO WATCH 484 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING... ...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Tornado Watch. Flash Flood Watch. Tropical Storm Warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Tropical Storm Warning. Severe Weather: There is a risk for isolated tornadoes on Monday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. AMZ330-350-121015- Charleston Harbor- Waters from South Santee River to Edisto Beach SC out 20 nm- 608 AM EDT Mon Sep 11 2017 ...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Tropical Storm Warning. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Tropical Storm Warning. Severe Weather: There is a risk for isolated waterspouts on Monday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. AMZ352-121015- Waters from Edisto Beach SC to Savannah GA out 20 nm- 608 AM EDT Mon Sep 11 2017 ...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT... ...HURRICANE WATCH IN EFFECT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Hurricane Watch. Tropical Storm Warning. Severe Weather: There is a risk for isolated waterspouts late tonight, especially on the Georgia coastal waters and the South Carolina waters off the lower South Carolina coast. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Hurricane Watch. Tropical Storm Warning. Severe Weather: There is a risk for isolated waterspouts on Monday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time. AMZ354-374-121015- 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- 608 AM EDT Mon Sep 11 2017 ...TORNADO WATCH 484 IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM EDT THIS MORNING... ...HURRICANE WARNING IN EFFECT... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Tornado Watch. Hurricane Warning. Severe Weather: There is a risk for isolated waterspouts late tonight, especially on the Georgia coastal waters and the South Carolina waters off the lower South Carolina coast. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Hurricane Warning. Severe Weather: There is a risk for isolated waterspouts on Monday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter assistance is not anticipated at this time.
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
157 AM EDT MON SEP 11 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
1224 AM HIGH ASTR TIDES 1 E CHARLESTON 32.78N 79.93W
09/11/2017 CHARLESTON SC TIDE GAGE
A MAXIMUM TIDE LEVEL OF 7.12 FT MLLW WAS OBSERVED AT
THE CHARLESTON HARBOR TIDE GAGE. SHALLOW COASTAL
FLOODING TYPICALLY BEGINS ALONG THE LOWER SOUTH CAROLINA
COAST WHEN TIDE LEVELS REACH 7.0 FT MLLW IN THE
CHARLESTON HARBOR.
&&
EVENT NUMBER CHS1700674
TIMTEPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
215 AM EDT MON SEP 11 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0112 AM HIGH ASTR TIDES 3 WNW FORT SCREVEN 32.03N 80.90W
09/11/2017 CHATHAM GA TIDE GAGE
A MAXIMUM TIDE LEVEL OF 9.56 FT MLLW WAS OBSERVED AT
THE FORT PULASKI TIDE GAGE LOCATED NEAR THE SAVANNAH
RIVER ENTRANCE. SHALLOW COASTAL FLOODING TYPICALLY
BEGINS ALONG MUCH OF THE GEORGIA COAST WHEN TIDE LEVELS
REACH 9.2 FT MLLW AT FORT PULASKI.
&&
EVENT NUMBER CHS1700675
TIMTEPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
306 AM EDT MON SEP 11 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0240 AM HIGH ASTR TIDES 1 SSW DARIEN 31.35N 81.45W
09/11/2017 MCINTOSH GA 911 CALL CENTER
WARNING POINT REPORTED 2 FEET OF WATER ON THE ROAD ON
BUTLER ISLAND AT HIGHWAY 17. USGS GAGE RDGG1 WAS STILL
RISING.
&&
EVENT NUMBER CHS1700676
TIMTEPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
309 AM EDT MON SEP 11 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0240 AM HIGH ASTR TIDES RIDGEVILLE 31.41N 81.40W
09/11/2017 MCINTOSH GA 911 CALL CENTER
WARNING POINT REPORTED 2 FEET OF WATER ON THE BLUE N
HALL CAUSEWAY. USGS GAGE RDGG1 WAS STILL RISING.
&&
EVENT NUMBER CHS1700677
TIMTEPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHARLESTON SC
608 AM EDT MON SEP 11 2017
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0522 AM TROPICAL STORM SKIDAWAY ISLAND 31.94N 81.05W
09/11/2017 CHATHAM GA EMERGENCY MNGR
TREE REPORTED DOWN ON MCWHORTER DRIVE NORTHEAST OF
TIDEWATER WAY.
&&
EVENT NUMBER CHS1700678
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</html>The Charleston,SC radar (KCLX), 16 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:32 UTC.
7 tropical depression, 5 storm surge/tide, 4 tropical storm, 4 tornado, 3 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.
Jasper County Emergency Management reported multiple trees down across the county due to strong winds associated with Hurricane Irma. One 87 year old male died 10 days after his car ran into a tree that had fallen across Highway 278 near Yemassee.
Jasper County Emergency Management reported multiple trees down across the county due to strong winds associated with Hurricane Irma.
Beaufort County Emergency Management reported numerous trees and power lines down across the county due to strong winds associated with Hurricane Irma. On Lady's Island, strong winds damaged airport hangars and other airport infrastructure. The Weatherflow site at Pritchards Island near Beaufort measured peak sustained winds of 56 mph and a peak wind gust of 76 mph. The AWOS at the Beaufort County Airport (KARW) measured peak sustained winds of 40 mph and a peak wind gust of 59 mph. The ASOS at the Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station measured peak sustained winds of 30 mph and a peak wind gust of 61 mph.
Hampton County Emergency Management reported numerous trees down across the county due to strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Irma. A Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) observation site located at Youmans Farm near Furman measured a peak wind gust of 40 mph during the event.
Allendale County Emergency Management reported multiple trees down across the county due to strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Irma. Also, one lane of Highway 321 was closed due to high water near Fairfax.
Dorchester County Emergency Management reported multiple trees down across the county due to strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Irma. Several structures received significant damage from falling trees and one person was injured in Ladson when a large tree fell on a residence on Monroe Road. Multiple roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines during the event. Also, numerous roads across the county were closed due to high water from heavy rainfall.
Berkeley County Emergency Management reported scattered trees down across the county due to strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Irma. Specifically, trees were down along Highway 52 at Tom Hill Road and Garbar Lane, as well as Highway 41 and Tiger Corner Road. The AWOS site in Moncks Corner measured peak sustained winds of 28 mph and a peak wind gust of 41 mph. The official National Weather Service observation at Pinopolis on Lake Moultrie measured a peak wind gust of 44 mph.
Berkeley County Emergency Management reported scattered trees down across the county due to strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Irma.
Colleton County Emergency Management reported numerous trees and power lines down due to strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Irma. The AWOS site in Walterboro measured peak sustained winds of 32 mph and a peak wind gust of 48 mph. Also, numerous roads in and around Walterboro were flooded.
Colleton County Emergency Management reported numerous trees and power lines down across the county due to strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Irma. Many roads in and around around Edisto Island were impassable due to downed trees and power lines.
Charleston County Emergency Management reported numerous trees and power lines down across the county due to strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Irma. One large live oak tree fell on a house and a vehicle on Gulf Drive in Mount Pleasant. Also, strong winds caused severe roof damage to a home on Sullivan's Island. The ASOS site at the Charleston International Airport (KCHS) measured peak sustained winds of 43 mph and a peak wind gust of 60 mph. The AWOS site at the Charleston Executive Airport on Johns Island (KJZI) measured peak sustained winds of 40 mph and a peak wind gust of 59 mph. The Weatherflow site at the Folly Beach pier measured peak sustained winds of 59 mph and a peak wind gust of 72 mph. The Weatherflow site at the Isle of Palms pier measured peak sustained winds of 56 mph and a peak wind gust of 68 mph. The Weatherflow site at Station 28.5 on Sullivan's Island measured peak sustained winds of 53 mph and a peak wind gust of 68 mph. The Weatherflow site near Charleston at Batter Point measured peak sustained winds of 48 mph and a peak wind gust of 66 mph. The National Weather Service official observation site near Waterfront Park in Downtown Charleston measured peak sustained winds of 40 mph and a peak wind gust of 52 mph. The National Ocean Service tide gauge in Downtown Charleston measured peak sustained winds of 48 mph and a peak wind gust of 61 mph. The National Ocean Service C-MAN site at the north end of Folly Beach measured peak sustained winds of 48 mph and a peak wind gust of 56 mph. Finally, the RAWS site in the Ace Basin measured a peak wind gust of 53 mph.
Beaufort County Emergency Management reported that widespread significant impacts occurred across the county due to storm surge associated with Tropical Storm Irma. Extensive storm surge related damage occurred across Hunting Island State Park. On Fripp Island at Ocean Point the sea wall was breached and beach front homes were inundated and extensive flooding was observed on the northern half of the island. Homes along Highway 21 were flooded, and South Carolina DOT reported that the Harbor River flooded over Highway 21 at Cougar Drive on Lady's Island. Other homes were flooded in the Carolina Shores neighborhood and across the northeast end of Port Royal Island near and near the Marine Corps Air Station. Highway 17 near the Pocotaligo River flooded and was closed for several hours. Also, Highway 170 was flooded near Callawassie Island. Other flooded areas due to storm surge include the south end of Hilton Head Island, Sea Pines Plantation, Long Cove Club, and Harbor Town Links clubhouse. Prior to the event, the USGS deployed its Storm Tide Sensor Network and analysis of the data showed that storm surge related inundation ranged from 1.67-6.04 feet above ground level in the hardest hit areas. Some of the more notable values include 6.04 feet at the Colleton River at the end of JW Mariculture Road, 5.21 feet near Harbor Town, and 5.21 feet at Sea Island Parkway between Hunting Island State Park and Fripp Island.
A National Weather Service storm survey team toured portions of Edisto Island beach and confirmed significant storm surge caused flooding, damage to homes, and beach erosion. The entire dune line along the beach was breached and washed away resulting in up to a foot of sand being deposited onto Palmetto Boulevard. During the event one person attempted to evacuate the area in a vehicle, became stranded in sand and water on Palmetto Boulevard, and required rescue. Numerous homes sustained damage from storm surge related inundation and wave action battering the structures. Inundation was estimated to be as high as 6 feet above ground level, which was confirmed by the USGS Storm Tide Sensor Network. One such sensor measured 6.2 feet of inundation above ground level on the back side of Edisto Island along Big Bay Creek near Buoy Road.
Charleston County Emergency Management and a National Weather Service storm survey team confirmed widespread significant impacts due to storm surge associated with Tropical Storm Irma. Storm surge impacted Downtown Charleston and surrounding areas within the tidal zone. In Downtown Charleston, numerous media accounts showed sea water breaching the wall along the battery with several feet of inundation in White Point Gardens. The inundation due to storm surge and heavy rainfall became so widespread that the Charleston Police Department closed the peninsula to travel during the event. Other areas impacted include Schooner Road, Galleon Road, and Seaward Drive on James Island where extensive dock damage occurred. A National Weather Service storm survey team estimated 4 to 5 feet of inundation along the west bank of the Stono River near Abbapoola Creek where extensive dock damage also occurred. At the Wappoo Cut boat ramp, Highway 17 on both sides of the Ashley River bridge , Ripley Light Marina, and Lockwood Drive north and south of the James Island Expressway were flooded. Even further inland, River Road was closed near where it intersects with Main Road on Johns Island. Based on analysis of data from the USGS Storm Tide Sensor Network, inundation across the county ranged from 1 to almost 6 feet above ground level. The peak inundation level surveyed was 5.89 feet above ground level on Eagle Point Road on Kiawah Island. Widespread significant erosion and dune destruction occurred as a result of storm surge at beaches across the county including Kiaway Island, Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island, and Isle of Palms. The National Ocean Service tide gauge in Charleston Harbor measured a peak tide level of 9.92 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) or 4.15 feet Mean Higher High Water (MHHW). This tide value ranks as the 3rd highest on record for the Charleston Harbor gauge and the peak surge value measured during the event was 4.87 feet.
Berkeley County Emergency Management reported that Bushy Park Road at Bushy Park Boat Landing was impassable due to storm surge related flooding. Also, the public reported that numerous docks were damaged on the north side of the Wando River.
The public reported that storm surge caused damage to numerous docks on the north side of the Wando River.
Jasper County Emergency Management reported homes flooded and inaccessible on Cherry Hill Road near the intersection with Highway 462. At least 1 person was stranded and in need of rescue.
The Crosstowne Christian Church on Bees Ferry Road flooded with at least one foot of water reported inside. Flooding occurred when Church Creek overflowed its banks in the afternoon. A nearby river and rain gauge on Church Creek measured a nearly 5 foot rise in the creek level in response to 8.97 inches of storm total rainfall due to Tropical Storm Irma. Winners Circle was also flooded and impassable along Church Creek on the other side of Bees Ferry Road.
A National Weather Service storm survey team confirmed an EF0 toranado on Joint Base Charleston in Charleston County. The weak, short-lived tornado, associated with the outer rain bands of Tropical Storm Irma, touched down near the Joint Base Charleston flight line and traveled along a discontinuous path toward the north-northwest. The tornado pushed back the edge of the roof on the control tower, damaged fascia of a nearby building near the flight line, and damaged the roof of another metal building on the base. Farther northwest on the Wrenwoods Golf Course, the tornado blew down two large oak trees and snapped large branches of other trees. The tornado then dissipated just beyond the north side of the golf course, about 2 minutes after touchdown.
Dorchester County Emergency Management reported that water entered at least 31 homes due to flash flooding along Eagle Creek. This included homes on Tranquil Lane and Harrison Road in the Tranquil Acres/Estates neighborhood, as well as homes in the Summerwood subdivision off of Ladson Road. Of the 31 impacted structures, 18 had 12 inches or less of water, 10 had between 13 and 23 inches of water, and 3 had between 24 and 35 inches of water inside.
A National Weather Service storm survey team confirmed an EF1 tornado in Legare Farms on Johns Island. The tornado touched down along the west bank of the Stono River near the junction of Abbapoola Creek. The tornado initially traveled north-northwest near the Stono River, destroying a shed, snapping a large live oak tree at the trunk, and damaging several other trees. In this area, the tornado also pulled from the ground a well pump and cement anchors for a chain link fence. The tornado then knocked a home off pilings, and the displaced residence incurred significant roof damage and crushed a pickup truck which was parked under the damaged house. The tornado then turned toward the north and northeast, damaging multiple trees before lifting along the west bank of the Stono River.
A National Weather Service storm survey team confirmed an EF0 tornado on James Island. The weak, short-lived tornado, associated with an outer rainband of Tropical Storm Irma, touched won in a marsh north of Schooner Creek and tracked north-northwest. The tornado uprooted a live oak tree and damaged another tree at the edge of the marsh. The tornado then damaged a residence on the southeast side of Seaward Drive, blowing of part of the southeast and northwest facing roof. The tornado then crossed Seaward Drive, damaging another tree and blowing 4 shutters off the southeast facing side of a residence on Lynne Avenue. Debris carried from the Seaward Drive residence also damaged a soffit on the Lynne Avenue home. The tornado then lifted south of Parrot Point Creek.
A National Weather Service Storm Survey team confirmed an EF0 tornado in Mount Pleasant. The weak, short-lived tornado, associated with an outer rainband of Tropical Storm Irma, formed over the marsh area between Mount Pleasant and Sullivan's Island. The weak tornado first moved into the south end of Pine Island View Road, then moved quickly north-northwest over the eastern ends of Oak Landing Road and Green Path Lane, before dissipating back on Pine Island View Road. Although no significant structural damage was observed, there were many large tree limbs down, some uprooted trees, and one wooden fence completely blown down.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical Depression, Jasper | 2017-09-21 | 87 | Male | Vehicle/Towed Trailer | Indirect |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in South Carolina in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for South Carolina, 2017Warnings in South Carolina, September 2017The 2017 hurricane season
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: 722549, 722550, 722650, 722515, 722516, 722517, 722544, 722545, 722551, 722552, 722651, 722668, 722669, 722672, 722670, 722671, 722442, 722449, 722378, 722451, 722379, 722380, 722381.