Florida, 2023

Tropical Storm in Florida, August 30, 2023

August 30, 2023 · NWS TBW · 24 events in 24 counties and zones

Hurricane Idalia made landfall just to the north of the local area near Keaton Beach, FL in Taylor county in Florida's Big Bend as a category 3 hurricane and brought devastating storm surge and wind impacts all along the west Florida coast, especially in closer vicinity to the landfall area across the Nature Coast. Storm surge flooding reached into homes and businesses as far south as Lee…

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 24 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.

  • Tornadoes
  • Tropical storms and surge
  • Floods
  • Wind
  • Hail
  • Winter weather
  • Heat and drought
  • Cold
  • Fire, smoke and dust
  • Marine and coastal
  • Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths
1
Injuries
0
Property damage
None recorded
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
24

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS TBW wrote it up.

Hurricane Idalia made landfall just to the north of the local area near Keaton Beach, FL in Taylor county in Florida's Big Bend as a category 3 hurricane and brought devastating storm surge and wind impacts all along the west Florida coast, especially in closer vicinity to the landfall area across the Nature Coast. Storm surge flooding reached into homes and businesses as far south as Lee county, and the surge inundation is the highest on record for the Cedar Key area.

County-by-County Impacts

Charlotte County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 55 to 65 mph, with a maximum gust of 61 mph near Charlotte Harbor at 1:49 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.11 inches near Harbour Heights. A peak water level of 3.57 feet above MHHW was measured at North Port Charlotte at 5:45 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels estimated elsewhere along coastal Charlotte County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront. US 41 was closed at Peace River Bridge due to flooding in downtown Punta Gorda, and 12 roadways were impassable due to saltwater inundation. 66 structures had major damage, and 14 had minor damage, with power outages affecting over 14,000.

Citrus County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 64 mph near Crystal River at 5:15 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 5 inches, with a maximum total of 5.2 inches near Inverness. A peak water level of 7.01 feet above MHHW was measured at the mouth of Crystal River near Shell Island at 8:45 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Citrus County generally ranged from 4 to 7 feet. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated numerous roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. Over 6,450 structures had inundation, with 72% being residential, 20% multi-family, and 8% commercial.

DeSoto County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 30 to 40 mph, with a maximum gust of 35 mph near Arcadia at 12:53 PM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 5 to 8 inches, with a maximum total of 7.11 inches near Arcadia. Power outages impacted 3,390.

Hardee County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 35 to 45 mph. Rainfall ranged from 3 to 6 inches, with a maximum total of 4.64 inches near Ona.

Hernando County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 50 to 60 mph, with a maximum gust of 58 mph at Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport at 6:03 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 3 inches, with a maximum total of 2.88 inches near Spring Hill. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated various roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. There were 115 structures with major damage, 39 with minor damage, and 1 structure was destroyed.

Highlands County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 40 to 50 mph, with a maximum gust of 47 mph at Sebring Regional Airport at 3:15 PM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 3 inches, with a maximum total of 2.18 inches near Sebring. A tornado was observed near Avon Park, however no notable damage was reported.

Hillsborough County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 55 to 65 mph, with a maximum gust of 61 mph near Tampa International Airport at 3:39 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.26 inches near Riverview. The peak recorded water level of 6.56 feet (NAVD88) along the Alafia River at U.S. Highway 301 at 6:45 AM EST on August 30 surpassed the previous record of 6.2 feet, set as Hurricane Frances moved across the peninsula from the Atlantic on September 06, 2004. A peak water level of 4.18 feet above MHHW was measured at Old Port Tampa at 5:30 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Hillsborough County generally ranged from 3 to 5 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated various roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. 71 structures had major flood damage, and 10 had minor damage. The damage was mainly limited to surge/river flooding on the Alafia around US 301 and west to Tampa Bay, and the Little Manatee River between US 41 and Interstate 75.

Lee County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 45 to 55 mph, with a maximum gust of 49 mph at Tarpon Point at 10:45 PM EST on August 29. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 5 inches, with a maximum total of 4.56 inches near Fort Myers. A peak water level of 3.2 feet above MHHW was measured at Fort Myers at 1:24 PM EST on August 30. Peak water levels estimated elsewhere along coastal Lee County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront. There were no destroyed structures or ones with major damage. However, 51 had minor damage with 153 affected. Damage included scattered minor roof, siding, and soffit damage throughout the barrier islands from Captiva to Sanibel to Fort Myers Beach and through Bonita Beach. Minor salt water flooding in isolated homes near Bonita Beach, and Matlacha had 23 homes with minor flood damage.

Levy County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 69 mph at Cedar Key at 5:32 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 3 inches, with a maximum total of 2.34 inches near Archer. The peak recorded water level of 6.89 feet above MHHW at Cedar Key at 7:48 AM EST on August 30 surpassed the previous record of 6.1 feet above MHHW, set during Hurricane Hermine on September 02, 2016. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Levy County generally ranged from 4 to 7 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated numerous roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront.

Manatee County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 70 mph at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport at 2:22 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.74 inches near Bradenton. A peak water level of 3.69 feet above MHHW was measured at Port Manatee at 7:54 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Manatee County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront and Riverfront through the downtown Bradenton area. 25 structures had major damage, and 2 had minor damage.

Pasco County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 45 to 55 mph, with a maximum gust of 45 mph near Hudson at 5:30 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 4 inches, with a maximum total of 4.05 inches near Wesley Chapel. One fatality occurred in Pasco county as the storm was approaching, due to a single vehicle automobile accident involving a 40-year-old male driving in the heavy rain and hitting a tree. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated various roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. There were 2,195 registrations for assistance, and 2,700cubic yards of debris were collected as of September 11th, with 480 tons of debris self-hauled.

Pinellas County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 61 mph at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport at 3:43 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 4 inches, with a maximum total of 3.83 inches near Feather Sound. A peak water level of 4.05 feet above MHHW was measured at Clearwater Beach at 6:00 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Pinellas County generally ranged from 3 to 5 feet above MHHW. Over 70 water rescues were conducted, with nearly a dozen of those for pets, and 43 dogs and 29 cats were sheltered. Damage estimates currently total $23.4 million. 10 structures were destroyed, 45 inaccessible, 811 had major damage, 1,016 had minor damage, and 822 were affected. 27,000 were without power. The greatest impact was along the coastal areas of the county, including Shore Acres, Riviera Bay, Johns Pass to St. Pete Beach, and an area north of Dunedin.

Polk County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 40 to 50 mph, with a maximum gust of 47 mph at Winter Haven’s Gilbert Airport at 5:43 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 3 to 6 inches, with a maximum total of 5.28 inches near Bartow.

Sarasota County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 62 mph near Sarasota at 12:18 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.5 inches near Sarasota. A peak water level of 3.08 feet above MHHW was measured at Venice at 1:30 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels estimated elsewhere along coastal Sarasota County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront. Damage is estimated at $2.7 million. There were 18 structures destroyed, with 1,100 with major damage. St. Armands Circle had inundation around 1 foot into businesses and homes surrounding it. The intersection of US 41 and Fruitville Road was closed due to storm surge flooding, Casey Key Road and Manasota Key Road were washed out, and a Tiki Bar on Sarasota Bayfront had its roof peeled back causing significant flooding. 8,000 homes were without power.

Sumter County - Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 35 to 45 mph, with a maximum gust of 36 mph near Bushnell at 5:54 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 2 inches, with a maximum total of 1.21 inches near Lady Lake. There were 8 road closures due to fallen trees and power lines, with 509 without power. On CR 740 at the RV Park, there was damage to the block wall and a pole barn.

What forecasters said that day

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 Tampa Bay, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Aug 30, 12:36 AM EST, 24 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 30, 12:36 AM EST, 24 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
136 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023

...New AVIATION...

.AVIATION...
(06Z TAFS)
Issued at 130 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023

MVFR/IFR conditions will continue through most of the period as
bands from Hurricane Idalia move across terminals. Ceilings and
visibilities should be up and down during this time. Gusty winds
prevail into the afternoon as the storm moves north of the area.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 143 PM EDT Tue Aug 29 2023

Hurricane Idalia continues to move North and eventually more NNE
towards the west coast of Florida. Catastrophic storm surge will
accompany the eyewall as it makes landfall overnight to the early
morning hours of tomorrow morning, along with Hurricane force winds,
flooding rainfall, and tornadoes. Outer bands are already moving
into SWFl and the Tampa Bay area now, with tropical storm force
wind gusts recorded with these bands.

Conditions will deteriorate from here, with no significant
improvements until tomorrow afternoon/evening for much of the area.
It looks like a wetter pattern will remain until at least the
weekend as Idalia pulls away. More typical summertime weather should
return thereafter.

For the latest information on Idalia, please see products issued by
the National Hurricane Center as well as our Hurricane Local
Statement.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
TPA  88  81  91  80 /  90  60  90  60
FMY  89  80  90  80 /  80  50  80  40
GIF  87  77  91  77 /  80  40  80  40
SRQ  89  79  91  79 /  90  70  80  70
BKV  87  76  90  75 /  90  60  80  60
SPG  87  82  88  82 /  90  70  90  70

&&

Sea Breeze Thunderstorm Regime For Wednesday: 5
Sea Breeze Thunderstorm Regime For Thursday: 5

For additional information on sea breeze regimes, go to:
     https://www.weather.gov/tbw/ThunderstormClimatology

&&

.TBW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Flood Watch through Thursday morning for Coastal Citrus-Coastal
     Hernando-Coastal Hillsborough-Coastal Levy-Coastal Manatee-
     Coastal Pasco-Coastal Sarasota-Inland Citrus-Inland
     Hernando-Inland Hillsborough-Inland Levy-Inland Manatee-
     Inland Pasco-Inland Sarasota-Pinellas-Sumter.

     Hurricane Warning for Coastal Citrus-Coastal Hernando-Coastal
     Hillsborough-Coastal Levy-Coastal Manatee-Coastal Pasco-
     Inland Citrus-Inland Hernando-Inland Hillsborough-Inland
     Levy-Inland Manatee-Inland Pasco-Pinellas-Sumter.

     Storm Surge Warning for Coastal Citrus-Coastal Hernando-Coastal
     Hillsborough-Coastal Levy-Coastal Manatee-Coastal Pasco-
     Coastal Sarasota-Pinellas.

     Tropical Storm Warning for Coastal Charlotte-Coastal Lee-Coastal
     Sarasota-DeSoto-Hardee-Inland Charlotte-Inland Lee-Inland
     Sarasota-Polk.

     Storm Surge Watch for Coastal Charlotte-Coastal Lee.

Gulf waters...Hurricane Warning for Coastal waters from Englewood to Tarpon
     Springs FL out 20 NM-Coastal waters from Tarpon Springs to
     Suwannee River FL out 20 NM-Tampa Bay waters-Waters from
     Bonita Beach to Englewood FL out 20 to 60 NM-Waters from
     Englewood to Tarpon Springs FL out 20 to 60 NM-Waters from
     Tarpon Springs to Suwannee River FL out 20 to 60 NM.

     Tropical Storm Warning for Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island
     Sound-Coastal waters from Bonita Beach to Englewood FL out
     20 NM.

&&

AVIATION...Delerme
DISCUSSION..Flannery
DECISION SUPPORT...Fleming/Oglesby

In the hours before

Local storm report, Aug 29, 11:09 PM EST, 1 hour 51 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
1209 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1153 PM     Tropical Cyclone 1 S Whitfield           27.40N 82.57W
08/29/2023                   Manatee            FL   ASOS

            61 MPH wind gust measured by ASOS station
            KSRQ Sarasota Bradenton Airport.

&&
Local storm report, Aug 29, 11:10 PM EST, 1 hour 50 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
1210 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1150 PM     Tropical Cyclone 7 NW Palmetto           27.60N 82.65W
08/29/2023                   GMZ830             FL   Mesonet

            55 MPH wind gust measured by station XSKY
            Skyway Fishing Pier.

&&
Local storm report, Aug 29, 11:11 PM EST, 1 hour 49 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
1211 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1035 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     23 SW Longboat Key      27.17N 82.92W
08/29/2023  M54 MPH          GMZ873             FL   Mesonet

            54 MPH wind gust measured by station 42013
            22 SW Longboat Key.

&&
Local storm report, Aug 29, 11:12 PM EST, 1 hour 48 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
1212 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1159 PM     Tropical Cyclone 6 NNW Anna Maria Island 27.61N 82.76W
08/29/2023                   GMZ853             FL   Mesonet

            53 MPH wind gust measured by station XEGM
            Egmont Channel.

&&
Local storm report, Aug 29, 11:13 PM EST, 1 hour 47 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
1213 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1135 PM     Tropical Cyclone 3 SSW Cape Coral        26.54N 82.00W
08/29/2023                   Lee                FL   Mesonet

            50 MPH wind gust measured by station XTRP
            Tarpon Pt.

&&
Local storm report, Aug 29, 11:14 PM EST, 1 hour 46 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
1214 AM EDT Wed Aug 30 2023

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1135 PM     Tropical Cyclone 2 W Venice Gardens      27.07N 82.43W
08/29/2023                   Sarasota           FL   AWOS

            49 MPH wind gust measured by AWOS station
            KVNC Venice.

&&

The radar

The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

24 tropical storm. Local standard time, as filed.

Tropical Storm, Coastal Charlotte

When
August 30, 1:00 AM EST
Where
Coastal Charlotte forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
26.900, -81.950 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 55 to 65 mph, with a maximum gust of 61 mph near Charlotte Harbor at 1:49 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.11 inches near Harbour Heights. A peak water level of 3.57 feet above MHHW was measured at North Port Charlotte at 5:45 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels estimated elsewhere along coastal Charlotte County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront. US 41 was closed at Peace River Bridge due to flooding in downtown Punta Gorda, and 12 roadways were impassable due to saltwater inundation. 66 structures had major damage, and 14 had minor damage, with power outages affecting over 14,000.

Tropical Storm, Inland Charlotte

When
August 30, 1:00 AM EST
Where
Inland Charlotte forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
26.900, -81.950 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 55 to 65 mph, with a maximum gust of 61 mph near Charlotte Harbor at 1:49 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.11 inches near Harbour Heights. A peak water level of 3.57 feet above MHHW was measured at North Port Charlotte at 5:45 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels estimated elsewhere along coastal Charlotte County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront. US 41 was closed at Peace River Bridge due to flooding in downtown Punta Gorda, and 12 roadways were impassable due to saltwater inundation. 66 structures had major damage, and 14 had minor damage, with power outages affecting over 14,000.

Tropical Storm, Coastal Lee

When
August 30, 1:00 AM EST
Where
Coastal Lee forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
26.625, -81.849 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 45 to 55 mph, with a maximum gust of 49 mph at Tarpon Point at 10:45 PM EST on August 29. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 5 inches, with a maximum total of 4.56 inches near Fort Myers. A peak water level of 3.2 feet above MHHW was measured at Fort Myers at 1:24 PM EST on August 30. Peak water levels estimated elsewhere along coastal Lee County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront. There were no destroyed structures or ones with major damage. However, 51 had minor damage with 153 affected. Damage included scattered minor roof, siding, and soffit damage throughout the barrier islands from Captiva to Sanibel to Fort Myers Beach and through Bonita Beach. Minor salt water flooding in isolated homes near Bonita Beach, and Matlacha had 23 homes with minor flood damage.

Tropical Storm, Inland Lee

When
August 30, 1:00 AM EST
Where
Inland Lee forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
26.625, -81.849 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 45 to 55 mph, with a maximum gust of 49 mph at Tarpon Point at 10:45 PM EST on August 29. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 5 inches, with a maximum total of 4.56 inches near Fort Myers. A peak water level of 3.2 feet above MHHW was measured at Fort Myers at 1:24 PM EST on August 30. Peak water levels estimated elsewhere along coastal Lee County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront. There were no destroyed structures or ones with major damage. However, 51 had minor damage with 153 affected. Damage included scattered minor roof, siding, and soffit damage throughout the barrier islands from Captiva to Sanibel to Fort Myers Beach and through Bonita Beach. Minor salt water flooding in isolated homes near Bonita Beach, and Matlacha had 23 homes with minor flood damage.

Tropical Storm, Coastal Manatee

When
August 30, 1:30 AM EST
Where
Coastal Manatee forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.478, -82.357 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 70 mph at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport at 2:22 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.74 inches near Bradenton. A peak water level of 3.69 feet above MHHW was measured at Port Manatee at 7:54 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Manatee County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront and Riverfront through the downtown Bradenton area. 25 structures had major damage, and 2 had minor damage.

Tropical Storm, Coastal Sarasota

When
August 30, 1:30 AM EST
Where
Coastal Sarasota forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.183, -82.365 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 62 mph near Sarasota at 12:18 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.5 inches near Sarasota. A peak water level of 3.08 feet above MHHW was measured at Venice at 1:30 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels estimated elsewhere along coastal Sarasota County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront. Damage is estimated at $2.7 million. There were 18 structures destroyed, with 1,100 with major damage. St. Armands Circle had inundation around 1 foot into businesses and homes surrounding it. The intersection of US 41 and Fruitville Road was closed due to storm surge flooding, Casey Key Road and Manasota Key Road were washed out, and a Tiki Bar on Sarasota Bayfront had its roof peeled back causing significant flooding. 8,000 homes were without power.

Tropical Storm, Inland Sarasota

When
August 30, 1:30 AM EST
Where
Inland Sarasota forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.183, -82.365 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 62 mph near Sarasota at 12:18 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.5 inches near Sarasota. A peak water level of 3.08 feet above MHHW was measured at Venice at 1:30 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels estimated elsewhere along coastal Sarasota County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront. Damage is estimated at $2.7 million. There were 18 structures destroyed, with 1,100 with major damage. St. Armands Circle had inundation around 1 foot into businesses and homes surrounding it. The intersection of US 41 and Fruitville Road was closed due to storm surge flooding, Casey Key Road and Manasota Key Road were washed out, and a Tiki Bar on Sarasota Bayfront had its roof peeled back causing significant flooding. 8,000 homes were without power.

Tropical Storm, Inland Manatee

When
August 30, 1:30 AM EST
Where
Inland Manatee forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.478, -82.357 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 70 mph at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport at 2:22 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.74 inches near Bradenton. A peak water level of 3.69 feet above MHHW was measured at Port Manatee at 7:54 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Manatee County generally ranged from 2 to 4 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels affected areas along the immediate waterfront and Riverfront through the downtown Bradenton area. 25 structures had major damage, and 2 had minor damage.

Tropical Storm, Pinellas

When
August 30, 2:00 AM EST
Where
Pinellas forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.903, -82.739 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 61 mph at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport at 3:43 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 4 inches, with a maximum total of 3.83 inches near Feather Sound. A peak water level of 4.05 feet above MHHW was measured at Clearwater Beach at 6:00 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Pinellas County generally ranged from 3 to 5 feet above MHHW. Over 70 water rescues were conducted, with nearly a dozen of those for pets, and 43 dogs and 29 cats were sheltered. Damage estimates currently total $23.4 million. 10 structures were destroyed, 45 inaccessible, 811 had major damage, 1,016 had minor damage, and 822 were affected. 27,000 were without power. The greatest impact was along the coastal areas of the county, including Shore Acres, Riviera Bay, Johns Pass to St. Pete Beach, and an area north of Dunedin.

Tropical Storm, Coastal Hillsborough

When
August 30, 2:30 AM EST
Where
Coastal Hillsborough forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.906, -82.347 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 55 to 65 mph, with a maximum gust of 61 mph near Tampa International Airport at 3:39 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.26 inches near Riverview. The peak recorded water level of 6.56 feet (NAVD88) along the Alafia River at U.S. Highway 301 at 6:45 AM EST on August 30 surpassed the previous record of 6.2 feet, set as Hurricane Frances moved across the peninsula from the Atlantic on September 06, 2004. A peak water level of 4.18 feet above MHHW was measured at Old Port Tampa at 5:30 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Hillsborough County generally ranged from 3 to 5 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated various roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. 71 structures had major flood damage, and 10 had minor damage. The damage was mainly limited to surge/river flooding on the Alafia around US 301 and west to Tampa Bay, and the Little Manatee River between US 41 and Interstate 75.

Tropical Storm, Inland Hillsborough

When
August 30, 2:30 AM EST
Where
Inland Hillsborough forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.906, -82.347 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 55 to 65 mph, with a maximum gust of 61 mph near Tampa International Airport at 3:39 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 7 inches, with a maximum total of 6.26 inches near Riverview. The peak recorded water level of 6.56 feet (NAVD88) along the Alafia River at U.S. Highway 301 at 6:45 AM EST on August 30 surpassed the previous record of 6.2 feet, set as Hurricane Frances moved across the peninsula from the Atlantic on September 06, 2004. A peak water level of 4.18 feet above MHHW was measured at Old Port Tampa at 5:30 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Hillsborough County generally ranged from 3 to 5 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated various roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. 71 structures had major flood damage, and 10 had minor damage. The damage was mainly limited to surge/river flooding on the Alafia around US 301 and west to Tampa Bay, and the Little Manatee River between US 41 and Interstate 75.

Tropical Storm, Coastal Pasco

When
August 30, 2:30 AM EST
Where
Coastal Pasco forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.307, -82.439 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 45 to 55 mph, with a maximum gust of 45 mph near Hudson at 5:30 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 4 inches, with a maximum total of 4.05 inches near Wesley Chapel. One fatality occurred in Pasco county as the storm was approaching, due to a single vehicle automobile accident involving a 40-year-old male driving in the heavy rain and hitting a tree. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated various roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. There were 2,195 registrations for assistance, and 2,700cubic yards of debris were collected as of September 11th, with 480 tons of debris self-hauled.

Tropical Storm, Inland Pasco

When
August 30, 2:30 AM EST
Where
Inland Pasco forecast zone
Deaths
0 direct, 1 indirect
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.307, -82.439 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 45 to 55 mph, with a maximum gust of 45 mph near Hudson at 5:30 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 4 inches, with a maximum total of 4.05 inches near Wesley Chapel. One fatality occurred in Pasco county as the storm was approaching, due to a single vehicle automobile accident involving a 40-year-old male driving in the heavy rain and hitting a tree. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated various roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. There were 2,195 registrations for assistance, and 2,700cubic yards of debris were collected as of September 11th, with 480 tons of debris self-hauled.

Tropical Storm, Coastal Hernando

When
August 30, 3:00 AM EST
Where
Coastal Hernando forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.556, -82.468 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 50 to 60 mph, with a maximum gust of 58 mph at Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport at 6:03 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 3 inches, with a maximum total of 2.88 inches near Spring Hill. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated various roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. There were 115 structures with major damage, 39 with minor damage, and 1 structure was destroyed.

Tropical Storm, Inland Hernando

When
August 30, 3:00 AM EST
Where
Inland Hernando forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.556, -82.468 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 50 to 60 mph, with a maximum gust of 58 mph at Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport at 6:03 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 3 inches, with a maximum total of 2.88 inches near Spring Hill. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated various roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. There were 115 structures with major damage, 39 with minor damage, and 1 structure was destroyed.

Tropical Storm, Coastal Citrus

When
August 30, 3:30 AM EST
Where
Coastal Citrus forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.848, -82.520 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 64 mph near Crystal River at 5:15 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 5 inches, with a maximum total of 5.2 inches near Inverness. A peak water level of 7.01 feet above MHHW was measured at the mouth of Crystal River near Shell Island at 8:45 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Citrus County generally ranged from 4 to 7 feet. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated numerous roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. Over 6,450 structures had inundation, with 72% being residential, 20% multi-family, and 8% commercial.

Tropical Storm, Inland Citrus

When
August 30, 3:30 AM EST
Where
Inland Citrus forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.848, -82.520 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 64 mph near Crystal River at 5:15 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 5 inches, with a maximum total of 5.2 inches near Inverness. A peak water level of 7.01 feet above MHHW was measured at the mouth of Crystal River near Shell Island at 8:45 AM EST on August 30. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Citrus County generally ranged from 4 to 7 feet. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated numerous roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront. Over 6,450 structures had inundation, with 72% being residential, 20% multi-family, and 8% commercial.

Tropical Storm, De Soto

When
August 30, 4:00 AM EST
Where
De Soto forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.186, -81.809 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 30 to 40 mph, with a maximum gust of 35 mph near Arcadia at 12:53 PM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 5 to 8 inches, with a maximum total of 7.11 inches near Arcadia. Power outages impacted 3,390.

Tropical Storm, Hardee

When
August 30, 4:00 AM EST
Where
Hardee forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.493, -81.810 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 35 to 45 mph. Rainfall ranged from 3 to 6 inches, with a maximum total of 4.64 inches near Ona.

Tropical Storm, Coastal Levy

When
August 30, 5:00 AM EST
Where
Coastal Levy forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
29.282, -82.789 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 69 mph at Cedar Key at 5:32 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 3 inches, with a maximum total of 2.34 inches near Archer. The peak recorded water level of 6.89 feet above MHHW at Cedar Key at 7:48 AM EST on August 30 surpassed the previous record of 6.1 feet above MHHW, set during Hurricane Hermine on September 02, 2016. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Levy County generally ranged from 4 to 7 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated numerous roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront.

Tropical Storm, Inland Levy

When
August 30, 5:00 AM EST
Where
Inland Levy forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
29.282, -82.789 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 70 mph, with a maximum gust of 69 mph at Cedar Key at 5:32 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 3 inches, with a maximum total of 2.34 inches near Archer. The peak recorded water level of 6.89 feet above MHHW at Cedar Key at 7:48 AM EST on August 30 surpassed the previous record of 6.1 feet above MHHW, set during Hurricane Hermine on September 02, 2016. Peak water levels measured elsewhere along coastal Levy County generally ranged from 4 to 7 feet above MHHW. Elevated water levels submerged or partially inundated numerous roadways and structures along the immediate waterfront.

Tropical Storm, Highlands

When
August 30, 6:00 AM EST
Where
Highlands forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.343, -81.341 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 40 to 50 mph, with a maximum gust of 47 mph at Sebring Regional Airport at 3:15 PM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 3 inches, with a maximum total of 2.18 inches near Sebring. A tornado was observed near Avon Park, however no notable damage was reported.

Tropical Storm, Polk

When
August 30, 10:00 AM EST
Where
Polk forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
27.949, -81.698 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 40 to 50 mph, with a maximum gust of 47 mph at Winter Haven’s Gilbert Airport at 5:43 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 3 to 6 inches, with a maximum total of 5.28 inches near Bartow.

Tropical Storm, Sumter

When
August 30, 10:00 AM EST
Where
Sumter forecast zone
Reported by
Official NWS Observations
Coordinates
28.705, -82.081 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 35 to 45 mph, with a maximum gust of 36 mph near Bushnell at 5:54 AM EST on August 30. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 2 inches, with a maximum total of 1.21 inches near Lady Lake. There were 8 road closures due to fallen trees and power lines, with 509 without power. On CR 740 at the RV Park, there was damage to the block wall and a pole barn.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

EventDateAgeSexWhereKind
Tropical Storm, Inland Pasco2023-08-3040MaleVehicle/Towed TrailerIndirect

What these are

Tropical Storm
A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph).

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Florida in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Florida, August 2023The 2023 hurricane season

Sources

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: 1135391, 1135392, 1135404, 1135405, 1135408, 1135410, 1135417, 1135418, 1135414, 1135402, 1135403, 1135412, 1135413, 1135397, 1135398, 1135393, 1135400, 1135395, 1135396, 1135406, 1135407, 1135401, 1135415, 1135416.