A St George Island volunteer fire department first responder died while trying to save a father and son in distress from rip currents. Double red flags were flying.
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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 TAE wrote it up.
A St George Island volunteer fire department first responder died while trying to save a father and son in distress from rip currents. Double red flags were flying.
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 Tallahassee, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Aug 25, 11:59 AM EST, 2 hours 1 minute earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
1259 PM EDT Tue Aug 25 2020
.AVIATION...
[Through 18Z Wednesday]
MVFR to VFR conditions are being observed at all TAF sites so far
this afternoon due to low CIGs. An upward trend in CIGs is
expected to occur over the next couple hours. VFR conditions are
then expected to remain through much of the overnight hours
before low CIGs once again return to the northern and western TAF
sites (DHN, ABY, and VLD) from the east. There is a chance for
isolated showers and thunderstorms this afternoon; however given
the isolated nature I have opted to keep them out of the TAFs.
&&
.PREV DISCUSSION [1042 AM EDT]...
.NEAR TERM [Through Tonight]...
The convection driven by the Marco finaLly diminished across the
area overnight. Overall the system ended up bringing localized
flooding, strong winds associated with a few thunderstorms and
multiple areas of rotation on radar to the region. Only a few
showers remain from this across southeast Alabama this morning.
For today, Laura will move across the Gulf of Mexico as high
pressure from the Atlantic stretches westward across the region. As
this occurs and the Marco activity moves out, relatively drier air
will be in place helping to lower our PoPs to a more summertime
values - forecast is for 20-40% precipitation chances today.
Initially, the western portion of the CWA has better chances of
convection today (aligned with better moisture), but with a surge of
moisture from the east coast, the far eastern portions of the CWA
could see activity later today associated with the east coast
seabreeze. In addition to isolated to scattered thunderstorms today,
heat indicies will climb to the 105-108 degree range. Heat advisory
criteria is 108 degrees, but these areas are isolated, so given lack
of widespread nature of 108 degree heat indices, have held off on
issuing a heat advisory. Regardless though, it's still important to
follow normal heat safety rules (stay in the shade, drink
water, and take breaks inside) given these values.
While the center of Laura is forecast to remain well south of the
CWA as it tracks across the Gulf of Mexico, the area will feel a few
marine/coastal impacts. This includes a high risk of rip currents
through Thursday, high surf mainly tonight and tomorrow and high
wave heights.
.SHORT TERM [Wednesday Through Thursday]...
Deep southeast flow remains across the area through the period,
as Hurricane Laura is expected to make landfall west of the MS
River. Outside of advisory level seas, high surf, and dangerous
rip currents, impacts are not expected over land areas. Drier
air works in on Wednesday, especially across the FL Big Bend and
southwest GA. With lower PoPs across this area ~25 percent, and
a very humid air mass in place, it's possible we make a run at
advisory level heat indices ~108 degrees. On Thursday, PoPs
are expected to be more uniform across the area, generally 30
to 50 pct. Heat indices both Wednesday and Thursday will range
from 100 to 105 degrees, possibly running higher to advisory
levels dependent on the coverage of precip, with the greater
potential as mentioned on Wednesday.
Beach conditions will continue to be dangerous both Wednesday
and Thursday, with a high risk of rip currents for all gulf
beaches, and high surf ~6 ft at Bay and Walton County beaches.
This will be due to longer period swells from Hurricane Laura
making their way to the coast.
.LONG TERM [Thursday Night Through Tuesday]...
The deep layer flow veers from southerly on Friday to westerly
for the Saturday through Tuesday period. PoPs will average 60
to 70 pct through the long term period, and this is above climo
~40 pct. It's possible our PoPs are overdone this weekend into
early next week, given the westerly flow may pin the sea-breeze
closer to the coast. There is the potential for some strong
thunderstorms over the weekend given a stout shortwave modeled
to traverse the region. Temperatures will be close to climo,
with mid-70s for lows and highs around 90 degrees.
.MARINE...
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect into Wednesday for the waters
west of the Ochlocknee River. Tropical Storm Laura will strengthen
into a hurricane today as it moves across the central gulf, before
making landfall west of the Mississippi River on Wednesday. Long
period swells will arrive in the coastal waters today and persist
through Thursday, remaining elevated through this weekend. Southeast
winds will shift to southwest by this weekend, remaining around or
below 20 knots.
.FIRE WEATHER...
RH values and wind speeds are not forecast to meet red flag
conditions the next few days.
.HYDROLOGY...
the region is currently under a marginal risk for excessive
rainfall. Overall rainfall totals are expected to be less compared
to yesterday, however pockets of heavy rain from scattered
thunderstorms could pose a localized flood threat, especially
given that much of the areas soils are saturated from the rains
we've received over the last two days. In general, most of the
heaviest rain has fallen along coastal regions. This has
subsequently not caused any major river flooding concerns.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation is not requested. However, spotters are always
encouraged to safely report significant weather conditions when they
occur (while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines) by
calling the office or tweeting us @NWSTallahassee.
&&
.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Tallahassee 93 76 93 75 92 / 30 20 20 10 40
Panama City 91 79 90 78 89 / 30 20 20 10 40
Dothan 91 74 92 74 91 / 40 10 20 10 40
Albany 92 75 93 75 93 / 30 20 10 10 30
Valdosta 94 75 93 74 92 / 30 20 20 10 30
Cross City 95 75 93 74 92 / 30 20 20 10 30
Apalachicola 88 80 88 78 88 / 30 20 20 20 40
&&
.TAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...High Rip Current Risk through Thursday evening for Coastal Bay-
Coastal Franklin-Coastal Gulf-South Walton.
High Surf Advisory from 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ this evening to 8 PM
EDT /7 PM CDT/ Wednesday for Coastal Bay-South Walton.
GA...None.
AL...None.
GM...Small Craft Advisory until 7 PM CDT Wednesday for Coastal waters
from Mexico Beach to Apalachicola FL out 20 NM-Coastal
waters from Mexico Beach to Okaloosa Walton County Line FL
out 20 NM-Waters from Apalachicola to Mexico Beach FL from
20 to 60 NM-Waters from Mexico Beach to Okaloosa Walton
County Line FL from 20 to 60 NM.
Small Craft Advisory until 8 AM EDT Wednesday for Coastal Waters
From Ochlockonee River to Apalachicola Fl out to 20 Nm-
Waters from Suwannee River to Apalachicola FL from 20 to 60
NM.
&&
NEAR TERM...Fieux
SHORT TERM...LF
LONG TERM...LF
AVIATION...Bunker
MARINE...LF
FIRE WEATHER...Fieux
HYDROLOGY...BunkerPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
1134 AM EDT TUE AUG 25 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0730 PM FLASH FLOOD NOMA 30.89N 85.62W
08/24/2020 HOLMES FL COUNTY OFFICIAL
FLOODING OF DIRT ROADS REPORTED IN HOLMES
COUNTY VIA THE HOLMES DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
FACEBOOK PAGE.
&&
DVDPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
1135 AM EDT TUE AUG 25 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0310 PM FLASH FLOOD APALACHICOLA 29.72N 85.01W
08/23/2020 FRANKLIN FL 911 CALL CENTER
SEVERAL ROADS FLOODED IN APALACHICOLA. HWY
98 BETWEEN 8TH AND 9TH STREET, 16TH AND 17TH
STREET, IN FRONT OF ACE HARDWARE, AND ALONG
OTHER SIDE STREETS.
0812 PM MARINE TSTM WIND 18 S SAINT GEORGE ISLAN 29.41N 84.86W
08/23/2020 M40 MPH GMZ755 FL MESONET
MESONET STATION SGOF1 17 S SAINT GEORGE
ISLAND.
1025 PM MARINE TSTM WIND 5 SW SAINT GEORGE ISLAN 29.62N 84.93W
08/23/2020 M39 MPH GMZ755 FL MESONET
MESONET STATION CW8103 EASTPOINTE.
1040 PM MARINE TSTM WIND 3 SSW EASTPOINT 29.71N 84.89W
08/23/2020 M40 MPH GMZ755 FL MESONET
MESONET STATION 0569W 2.9 S EASTPOINT
(WEATHERSTEM).
0300 AM MARINE TSTM WIND 18 S SAINT GEORGE ISLAN 29.41N 84.86W
08/24/2020 M75 MPH GMZ755 FL MESONET
MESONET STATION SGOF1 17 S SAINT GEORGE
ISLAND GUSTED TO 75 MPH WITH A SQUALL LINE
IN THE VICINITY. ANEMOMETER HEIGHT IS 35.1
METERS.
0647 AM HEAVY RAIN 1 WNW APALACHICOLA 29.73N 85.01W
08/24/2020 M11.81 INCH FRANKLIN FL COCORAHS
24 HOUR TOTAL OF 11.81 INCHES AT COCORAHS
STATION FL-FR-2 APALACHICOLA 0.8 WNW.
0653 AM HEAVY RAIN APALACHICOLA AIRPORT 29.73N 85.03W
08/24/2020 M10.05 INCH FRANKLIN FL ASOS
24 HOUR TOTAL OF 10.05 INCHES AT THE
APALACHICOLA AIRPORT.
0700 AM HEAVY RAIN 5 SW SAINT GEORGE ISLAN 29.62N 84.93W
08/24/2020 M7.35 INCH GMZ755 FL MESONET
24 HOUR TOTAL OF 7.35 INCHES AT MESONET
STATION CW8103 EASTPOINTE.
0519 PM FLASH FLOOD PANAMA CITY BEACH 30.21N 85.85W
08/24/2020 BAY FL 911 CALL CENTER
WATER REPORTED OVER ROADS AT SEVERAL
LOCATIONS. WATER UP TO CAR DOORS ON THOMAS
DRIVE.
0555 PM FLASH FLOOD 1 N EDGEWATER GULF BEAC 30.20N 85.82W
08/24/2020 BAY FL FIRE DEPT/RESCUE
MEDIA RELAYED REPORT OF FLOODING ONGOING ON
ALF COLEMAN ROAD BETWEEN BACK BEACH AND
MIDDLE BEACH ROADS.
0556 PM FLASH FLOOD 1 NE EDGEWATER GULF BEA 30.19N 85.81W
08/24/2020 BAY FL FIRE DEPT/RESCUE
MULTIPLE VEHICLES DISABLED ON RICHARD
JACKSON BLVD BETWEEN BACK BEACH AND MIDDLE
BEACH ROAD. MEDIA RELAYED REPORT.
0650 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 E MADISON 30.47N 83.40W
08/24/2020 MADISON FL UTILITY COMPANY
POWER OUTAGES DUE TO FALLEN TREES AND LIMBS.
0655 PM TSTM WND DMG 1 NNE HANSON 30.57N 83.36W
08/24/2020 MADISON FL UTILITY COMPANY
POWER OUTAGES DUE TO FALLEN TREES AND LIMBS.
0715 PM TSTM WND DMG REMERTON 30.85N 83.31W
08/24/2020 LOWNDES GA PUBLIC
TREE DOWN ON POWER LINE REPORTED VIA SOCIAL
MEDIA.
0725 PM TSTM WND DMG 3 NE QUITMAN 30.81N 83.52W
08/24/2020 BROOKS GA 911 CALL CENTER
TREE DOWN BLOCKING PART OF TROUPEVILLE ROAD.
0725 PM TSTM WND DMG 5 NE VALDOSTA 30.90N 83.23W
08/24/2020 LOWNDES GA NEWSPAPER
CHURCH STEEPLE BLEW OFF ALONG KNIGHTS
ACADEMY ROAD.
0730 PM FLASH FLOOD NOMA 30.89N 85.62W
08/24/2020 HOLMES FL COUNTY OFFICIAL
FLOODING OF DIRT ROADS REPORTED IN HOLMES
COUNTY VIA THE HOLMES DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
FACEBOOK PAGE.
0734 PM TSTM WND DMG HAHIRA 30.99N 83.37W
08/24/2020 LOWNDES GA EMERGENCY MNGR
SEVERAL TREES DOWN IN THE NORTHERN END OF
LOWNDES COUNTY VIA THE EMA LOWNDES FACEBOOK
PAGE.
0600 AM HEAVY RAIN 2 S PHILEMA 31.73N 84.02W
08/25/2020 M3.25 INCH LEE GA MESONET
MESONET STATION OKFG1 1.9 S PHILEMA, 24 HOUR
TOTAL.
0653 AM HEAVY RAIN 5 NE WEST BAY 30.35N 85.80W
08/25/2020 M3.34 INCH BAY FL ASOS
ASOS STATION KECP PANAMA CITY, 24 HOUR
TOTAL.
0700 AM HEAVY RAIN 3 NNE FREEPORT 30.54N 86.12W
08/25/2020 M3.02 INCH WALTON FL MESONET
MESONET STATION 2966D 3 NNE FREEPORT, 24
HOUR TOTAL.
0700 AM HEAVY RAIN 4 ENE POPLAR HEAD 30.74N 85.59W
08/25/2020 M4.56 INCH WASHINGTON FL MESONET
MESONET STATION EW7600 CHIPLEY, 24 HOUR
TOTAL.
0700 AM HEAVY RAIN BID-A-WEE 30.21N 85.86W
08/25/2020 M5.52 INCH BAY FL COCORAHS
COCORAHS STATION FL-BY-7 PANAMA CITY BEACH
0.3 SW, 24 HOUR TOTAL.
0706 AM HEAVY RAIN 1 SSE PFN-BAY COUNTY AI 30.20N 85.67W
08/25/2020 M4.12 INCH BAY FL MESONET
MESONET STATION AP599 PANAMA CITY, 24 HOUR
TOTAL.
0716 AM HEAVY RAIN 1 ENE BAHAMA BEACH 30.20N 85.83W
08/25/2020 M7.21 INCH BAY FL MESONET
DAILY RAIN TOTAL OF 7.21 INCHES ON AUG 24TH
FROM WUNDERGROUND SITE KFLPANAM211.
0718 AM HEAVY RAIN 1 ESE GULF LAGOON BEACH 30.16N 85.77W
08/25/2020 M6.33 INCH BAY FL MESONET
DAILY RAINFALL TOTAL OF 6.33 INCHES ON AUG
24TH AT WUNDERGROUND SITE KFLPANAM118.
0742 AM HEAVY RAIN 1 W WAUSAU 30.63N 85.60W
08/25/2020 M5.47 INCH WASHINGTON FL MESONET
24 HOUR TOTAL OF 5.47 INCHES AT THE FSWN
WASHINGTON COUNTY EOC WEATHERSTEM SITE.
0800 AM HEAVY RAIN 1 SE GULF LAGOON BEACH 30.16N 85.78W
08/25/2020 M6.92 INCH BAY FL COCORAHS
COCORAHS STATION FL-BY-21 LOWER GRAND LAGOON
2.2 NW, 24 HOUR TOTAL.
0800 AM HEAVY RAIN 1 N GULF LAGOON BEACH 30.18N 85.79W
08/25/2020 M6.97 INCH BAY FL COCORAHS
COCORAHS STATION FL-BY-22 PANAMA CITY BEACH
4.4 ESE, 24 HOUR TOTAL.
&&
DVDThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
1 rip current. Local standard time, as filed.
A St George Island volunteer fire department first responder died while trying to save a father and son in distress from rip currents. Double red flags were flying.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rip Current, Coastal Franklin | 2020-08-25 | Male | In Water | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Florida in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in Florida, August 2020
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: 906012.