After moving across the Greater Antilles and weakening, the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred strengthened into a tropical storm once again in the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall near Cape San Blas with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph on August 16th. The storm brought flooding and strong winds to numerous areas of the tri-state region.
Every event with a place to put it; 11 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 TAE wrote it up.
After moving across the Greater Antilles and weakening, the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred strengthened into a tropical storm once again in the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall near Cape San Blas with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph on August 16th. The storm brought flooding and strong winds to numerous areas of the tri-state region. Rainfall amounts were generally in the 3 to 9 inch range with the highest amounts in Bay and Washington counties. Inundation along the coast generally remained below 3 ft MHHW, except for Apalachicola which measured 3.37 ft MHHW. One man was injured when a tree fell onto his car in Millville in Bay county, and one indirect fatality of a 51 year old male occurred due to hydroplaning in Bay county.
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 16, 5:53 PM EST, 1 hour 7 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
653 PM EDT Mon Aug 16 2021
.AVIATION...
[Through 00Z Wednesday]
TS Fred is moving inland through the Florida panhandle while
slowly weakening but winds remain fairly strong with winds gusts
of 40-50 mph still being reported in spots. Rainfall will
gradually end from south to north late tonight into Tuesday.
However, feeder bands will keep going through the Florida Big Bend
even into Tuesday. MVFR/IFR will accompany the rain and even last
through the morning hours. All in all fairly degraded flight
conditions through Tuesday morning then gradually getting back to
VFR Tuesday afternoon.
&&
.PREV DISCUSSION [232 PM EDT]...
.NEAR TERM [Through Tuesday]...
Tropical Storm Fred is expected to make landfall this evening
near Panama City. The storm is moving north-northeast at about 10
mph and model guidance shows the possibility of Fred strengthening
a little before landfall.
The outer rain bands have begun to affect much of the CWA with
heavy rainfall and gusty winds, some of tropical storm force (40
mph or greater). As Fred nears landfall later this evening, the
potential for strong sustained tropical storm force winds (58 mph
or greater) will near the coastline. Near the center and east of
the storm, hurricane force gusts (74 mph or greater) could be
possible at the time of landfall. Sustained tropical storm force
winds are not forecast for the inland regions but, could be a
possibility as the storm continues to strengthen.
There is a Tornado Watch in effect until 8pm EDT for the Tri-
State region. As the storm moves over land, the low-level shear
will increase which will allow the potential for tornadoes this
afternoon and evening.
PoPs for today are high in the upper 90s for the Florida
Panhandle and upper 80s for our Alabama and Georgia counties
through this evening and Tropical Storm Fred moves inland. Rain
will remain in the forecast for tomorrow as Fred continues inland
as models indicate trailing rain bands behind the circulation.
But, coverage will decrease through the day. A Flash Flood Watch
is in effect until Tuesday afternoon.
Temperatures today will be below average in the low 80s due to
cloud cover and rain from Tropical Storm Fred. Tonight, the
temperatures will be in the mid 70s. Highs tomorrow will be able
to reach the mid to upper 80s as the a weakened Fred will be
moving north out of the CWA through the morning.
.SHORT TERM [Tuesday Night Through Wednesday Night]...
At this time, Fred is forecast to be a Post-Tropical Depression
in Northern Georgia. The heavy rain and wind threats will have
ceased but, rain remains in the forecast. Surface and upper level
ridging will build in from the northeast pulling in deep moist
south to southwest flow on the western edge of the High. Above
seasonal chances for afternoon convection with 60-70% PoPs.
Temperatures on Wednesday will start in mid 70s and are expected
to warm to the upper 80s to low 90s.
.LONG TERM [Thursday Through Monday]...
An upper level ridge will build over the southeast U.S. through
the weekend into early next week. There may be a couple shortwaves
that pass through the area late this week into early next week.
However, this does not alter our forecast much. Daily scattered
showers and storms (40-60% PoPs) will be possible each afternoon
and evening across the area, which is typical for this time of
year.
The other story will be the building heat this weekend. High
temperatures will climb into the middle 90s areawide both Saturday
and Sunday. Combined with dew points in the middle to upper 70s,
heat index values may approach advisory criteria (up to 110 in
spots). Low temperatures will remain in the 70s.
.MARINE...
Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect. Very strong winds and high
seas will cause hazardous boating conditions today and continue
through Tuesday. Boating conditions will begin to improve on
Wednesday.
.FIRE WEATHER...
Tropical Storm Fred will exit the region Tuesday morning with
winds decreasing in its wake. Scattered to numerous showers and
storms will remain possible through this week. Outside of high
dispersions in the Florida Big Bend and southwest Georgia, the wet
conditions will keep fire weather concerns low.
.HYDROLOGY...
Flood Warnings continue for the following rivers: Steinhatchee
(US- 19) and Suwannee - Rock Bluff/Manatee Springs. Branford bares
watching over the next couple days as forecasts show borderline
minor flood stage by Monday morning. Additional rises are possible
from tropical rains.
The main hydro concerns through early this week are from Tropical
Storm Fred. Rainfall amounts for the eastern panhandle are
expected to range from 4-8" (up to 12" possible) mainly over the
Florida Panhandle coast. Rainfall amounts of 3-5 inches are
expected across southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia. A Flash
Flood watch is in effect for those areas through Tuesday evening.
These values are track dependent and subject to change.
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Coastal Franklin, Wakulla,
Jefferson, and Taylor counties where 3-5 feet of surge is
possible. Dixie County is also in a Storm Surge Warning but for
2-4 feet.
A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Walton and Bay counties
through Tuesday afternoon.
A wet pattern appears to stay in place after Fred's departure,
with above-average rain chances at least through mid-week.
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation is requested. Spotters should safely report
significant weather conditions and/or damage (while following all
local, state, and CDC guidelines) by calling the office or tweeting
us @NWSTallahassee.
&&
.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Tallahassee 76 87 76 90 75 / 90 60 30 60 10
Panama City 77 87 78 89 78 / 90 40 30 60 10
Dothan 72 85 74 88 74 / 90 50 20 70 10
Albany 74 86 74 89 75 / 80 60 30 70 10
Valdosta 74 86 74 90 75 / 70 70 20 60 10
Cross City 76 86 77 88 76 / 60 60 30 60 20
Apalachicola 79 85 79 86 78 / 90 50 30 50 10
&&
.TAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Storm Surge Warning for Coastal Dixie-Coastal Franklin-Coastal
Jefferson-Coastal Taylor-Coastal Wakulla.
Flash Flood Watch through Tuesday afternoon for Calhoun-Central
Walton-Coastal Bay-Coastal Franklin-Coastal Gulf-Coastal
Wakulla-Gadsden-Holmes-Inland Bay-Inland Franklin-Inland
Gulf-Inland Wakulla-Jackson-Leon-Liberty-North Walton-South
Walton-Washington.
Tropical Storm Warning for Calhoun-Central Walton-Coastal Bay-
Coastal Franklin-Coastal Gulf-Coastal Jefferson-Coastal
Taylor-Coastal Wakulla-Gadsden-Holmes-Inland Bay-Inland
Franklin-Inland Gulf-Inland Jefferson-Inland Taylor-Inland
Wakulla-Jackson-Leon-Liberty-North Walton-South Walton-
Washington.
High Rip Current Risk through Wednesday evening for Coastal Bay-
Coastal Franklin-Coastal Gulf-South Walton.
Coastal Flood Advisory until 2 PM EDT /1 PM CDT/ Tuesday for
Coastal Bay-Coastal Gulf-South Walton.
High Surf Warning until 8 PM EDT /7 PM CDT/ Tuesday for Coastal
Bay-Coastal Franklin-Coastal Gulf-South Walton.
GA...Flash Flood Watch through Tuesday afternoon for Baker-Calhoun-
Clay-Decatur-Dougherty-Early-Grady-Lee-Miller-Mitchell-
Quitman-Randolph-Seminole-Terrell.
Tropical Storm Warning for Baker-Calhoun-Clay-Decatur-Early-
Grady-Miller-Mitchell-Quitman-Randolph-Seminole.
AL...Flash Flood Watch through Tuesday afternoon for Coffee-Dale-
Geneva-Henry-Houston.
Tropical Storm Warning for Coffee-Dale-Geneva-Henry-Houston.
GM...Tropical Storm Warning for Apalachee Bay or Coastal Waters From
Keaton Beach to Ochlockonee River FL out to 20 Nm-Coastal
Waters From Ochlockonee River to Apalachicola Fl out to 20
Nm-Coastal waters from Suwannee River to Keaton Beach FL
out 20 NM-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 Suwannee River
to Apalachicola FL from 20 to 60 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.
&&
NEAR TERM...Montgomery
SHORT TERM...Montgomery
LONG TERM...Young
AVIATION...Scholl
MARINE...Montgomery
FIRE WEATHER...Young
HYDROLOGY...MontgomeryPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
602 PM EDT MON AUG 16 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0553 PM NON-TSTM WND GST MARIANNA MUNICIPAL A/P 30.83N 85.18W
08/16/2021 M46 MPH JACKSON FL ASOS
ASOS STATION KMAI MARIANNA REPORTED A WIND
GUST OF 46 MPH.
&&
RHPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
641 PM EDT MON AUG 16 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0602 PM TROPICAL STORM 2 WNW TALLAHASSEE COMM 30.45N 84.37W
08/16/2021 LEON FL EMERGENCY MNGR
REPORT OF A TREE DOWN ON A MOBILE HOME NEAR
WHITE HILL LN.
&&
RNPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
653 PM EDT MON AUG 16 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0652 PM FLASH FLOOD 1 E VICKSBURG 30.32N 85.64W
08/16/2021 BAY FL PUBLIC
REPORT OF FLOODING BLOCKING ROADS AND
STALLED CARS NEAR SOUTHPORT.
&&
RNPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
740 PM EDT MON AUG 16 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0703 PM FLASH FLOOD 2 S BONIFAY 30.77N 85.68W
08/16/2021 HOLMES FL TRAINED SPOTTER
WATER BEGINNING TO COVER HIGHWAY 79 BOTH
DIRECTIONS AND ADJACENT BUSINESSES PARKING
LOTS.
&&PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
748 PM EDT MON AUG 16 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0627 PM TROPICAL STORM MARIANNA MUNICIPAL A/P 30.84N 85.18W
08/16/2021 JACKSON FL ASOS
KMAI ASOS STATION REPORTED A GUST OF 51 MPH.
&&
EBPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
754 PM EDT MON AUG 16 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0754 PM FLASH FLOOD CRYSTAL LAKE 30.44N 85.69W
08/16/2021 WASHINGTON FL LAW ENFORCEMENT
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL WEBSITE REPORTS WATER
OVER THE SOUTHBOUND LANE OF HIGHWAY 77.
&&
DVDThe national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
11 tropical storm. Local standard time, as filed.
Scattered trees and power lines were blown down.
Scattered trees and power lines were blown down.
Scattered trees and power lines were blown down.
Scattered trees and power lines were blown down.
Scattered trees and power lines were blown down.
Scattered trees and power lines were blown down.
Scattered trees and power lines were blown down.
Scattered trees and power lines were blown down.
Scattered trees and power lines were blown down.
Scattered trees and power lines were blown down.
Scattered trees and power lines were blown down.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Georgia in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in Georgia, August 2021The 2021 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: 980630, 980631, 980632, 980633, 980634, 980635, 980636, 980637, 980638, 980639, 980640.