Hurricane Debby made landfall along the Taylor County coast as a Category 1 Hurricane on the morning of Monday August 5th. In addition to storm surge flooding along the FL Big Bend coast, around 12 inches of rainfall lead to widespread flooding in Madison and Taylor counties.
Every event with a place to put it; 21 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.
Hurricane Debby made landfall along the Taylor County coast as a Category 1 Hurricane on the morning of Monday August 5th. In addition to storm surge flooding along the FL Big Bend coast, around 12 inches of rainfall lead to widespread flooding in Madison and Taylor counties. In particular, rainfall in Southeast Madison County corresponded to a 0.2% annual chance occurrence or a 500 year flood event. Long duration areal flooding occurred in southeast Madison county for around 3 weeks. Flooding also occurred along portions of the Aucilla, Fenholloway, Steinhatchee and Withlacoochee rivers. Tropical storm force winds also led to power outages in the Florida Big Bend and South-Central Georgia. There were two direct fatalities from trees falling on homes in Dixie County, Florida and Moultrie, Georgia. Two indirect fatalities also occurred in Dixie County due to a traffic accident. The highest water marks measured by a survey team from FDEM were around 3 feet AGL in Horseshoe Beach. The University of Florida estimated that agriculture losses across Florida were between $93.7 million and $263.2 million, including crops, livestock, aquaculture, and animal products.
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 5, 12:09 AM EST, 51 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
Issued by National Weather Service Mobile AL
109 AM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024
...New AVIATION...
....ANY LAST MINUTE PREPARATIONS IN ADVANCE OF TROPICAL STORM DEBBY
SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION AS EARLIEST REASONABLE ARRIVAL TIME
OF TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS ARRIVE BY SUNSET ALONG THE GULF
COAST...
.NEAR AND SHORT TERM...
(Through Monday Night)
Issued at 330 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024
Tropical Storm Debby continues to strengthen over the southeast
Gulf of Mexico, while moving north-northwest at 13 mph. Debby will
continue strengthening as it moves northward across the eastern
Gulf tonight, and is forecast to reach hurricane strength before
making landfall on the Florida Big Bend Coast on Monday.
Hurricane warnings remain around Apalachee Bay and inland Florida
counties from Jefferson eastward. Leon and Wakulla remain in a
tropical storm warning. Further north, tropical storm warnings in
Georgia from the state line northeast to Cook and Berrian
counties. Mitchell to Ben Hill counties have a tropical storm
watch. Waters in Apalachee Bay have a hurricane warning and west
of that in the coastal waters has a tropical storm warning.
A Flood Watch remains in effect for portions of the Florida Big
Bend and South Central Georgia. Widespread heavy rainfall of 10
to 15 inches are forecast across the southeast Florida Big Bend
and South- Central Georgia, with isolated amounts over 18 inches
possible. For the western Big Bend into parts of southwest
Georgia, 4 to 10 inches are forecast with isolated amounts over 18
inches possible. These higher totals would create significant and
life-threatening flash flooding. A Flood Warning is already in
effect for Monday afternoon for the Aucilla River at Lamont and
St. Marks River near Newport. Meanwhile, several rivers area are
already running unseasonably high, including the Ochlockonee,
Sopchoppy, and Withlacoochee. With this forecast, at least
moderate river flooding will be likely, and major flooding is
possible.
Life-threatening storm surge will be possible along and to the
right of where the center makes landfall. A Storm Surge Warning
remains in effect from Indian Pass east to the Suwannee river.
Storm Surge values have increased with west of the Aucilla River
to Indian Pass. From the Aucilla River to the Ochlockonee River, 6
to 10 feet of inundation is now possible over normally dry ground
near the shoreline. From the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, 4
to 6 feet of inundation is now possible over normally dry ground
near the shoreline. From the Aucilla River to the Suwannee River,
6 to 10 feet of inundation is possible over normally dry ground
near the shoreline. From Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, 1 to 2 feet
of inundation is possible over normally dry ground.
Isolated tornadoes will be possible today into Monday, mainly
along and right of the track of the center. A tornado watch is
in effect from Leon and Wakulla counties through the southeast Big
Bend and adjacent Georgia counties through 8pm EDT. Expect
extensions to this watch through the night.
&&
.LONG TERM...
(Wednesday through Saturday)
Issued at 330 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024
Through the majority of the long term, a drying trend will occur
as Debby progresses off Southeast U.S. Atlantic coast. Ridging
will build in following Debby's departure with predominately
north- northwest surface flow through Thursday evening. Large-
scale subsidence and drier air pushing in will keep PoPs less than
50% for areas west of the Apalachicola and Flint River basins
with 50-60% further east. PoPs will increase once again into the
weekend as surface flow becomes more southerly and better moisture
returns to the area.
&&
.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 748 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024
A large expanse of moderate rain from Hurricane Debby will
continue to expand northward and westward overnight and is
expected to affect most TAF sites over the next 24 hours. As Debby
gets closer to the coast, the background wind field will
gradually increase through the period. Winds will be gusty
through the entire forecast period, becoming strong to very strong
near and along the track of Debby. Low-level Wind Shear will first
affect the TLH site, and for most of the remaining TAF sites
during the day Monday. LLWS of 50 to 60 knots at 2000 feet are
possible, shifting northeasterly to northerly. Cigs will decrease
to IFR/LIFR at all terminals overnight into Monday with vsbys down
to less than a mile in heavier showers and squalls. /22
&&
.MARINE...
Issued at 330 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024
At 11 am EDT Sunday, Tropical Storm Debby continued to strengthen
over the southeast Gulf of Mexico, while moving north-northwest
at 13 mph. Debby will continue strengthening as it moves northward
across the eastern Gulf today and tonight, and is forecast to
reach hurricane strength before making landfall on the Florida Big
Bend Coast on Monday.
Conditions are rapidly deteriorating across the coastal waters. As
of Noon Eastern Time, East winds were gusting around 25 knots in
the nearshore waters. Meanwhile, Buoy 42036 about 90 miles
southeast of Apalachicola was reporting wind gusts near 40 knots
and seas around 10 feet.
Conditions will continue to deteriorate this afternoon and evening
as the outer rain bands of Debbie enter the waters with tropical
storm force winds, with hurricane conditions expected over the
waters east of Apalachicola late tonight and Monday. Debby will
exit the waters Monday evening but slow down along the Southeast
U.S. Atlantic coast, so moderate to fresh westerly breezes will
continue from Tuesday through Thursday.
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 330 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024
Tropical Storm Debby continues to strengthen off the west coast of
Florida and will continue on its trajectory to Apalachee Bay
tonight. Landfall is expected Monday morning. Heavy rain and
Tropical Storm force winds will begin to impact the region tonight
and continue through the day Monday. The system will exit the
region by Tuesday with improving conditions expected.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 330 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024
..Considerable to Potentially Catastrophic Life-Threatening Flash
Flooding Possible in the eastern Big Bend and I-75 Corridor of
southern Georgia...
As Tropical Storm Debby moves into and through the area over the
next 24-36 hours, widespread heavy rainfall will spread across the
area generally to the north and east of the center. This will
generally be across the Florida Big Bend and south central
Georgia. Rainfall totals from Apalachicola to Ashburn and eastward
will be 6 to 12 inches with localized maximum amounts up to 18
inches possible. These rainfall totals, especially if they fall in
a short period of time, will result in significant life-
threatening flash flooding. Due to these rainfall totals, wet
soils, and likely high rainfall rates, the Weather Prediction
Center has outlined the I-75 corridor and eastern Florida Big Bend
in an exceedingly rare High Risk of excessive rainfall (level 4
of 4). Much of the rest of south central Georgia and the western
Florida Big Bend is outlined in a Moderate Risk of excessive
rainfall (level 3 of 4). It's important to note that historically,
over 80% of all flood-related damages and nearly 40% of all
flood-related fatalities occur in a High Risk. The moderate and
high risks indicate that considerable to potentially catastrophic
life-threatening flash flooding in these areas.
For river flooding, moderate flooding is likely along the Big Bend
and south Georgia rivers with major flooding possible. Ensemble
forecasts still show some potential for major flooding along
several rivers. While some of our faster response rivers will rise
quickly initially, it will take several days for some of our
larger rivers (Ochlockonee, Withlacoochee, Suwannee) to reach
flood stage in some points. This will be a longer duration,
potentially significant river flood event for our area. Stay tuned
to later forecasts.
Additionally, water levels are already rising along parts of
Apalachee Bay. Expect a more significant rise in water levels and
storm surge as Debby approaches tonight. High tides on Monday are
around 4am ET and 3pm ET. The highest storm surge will occur to
the east of the center. Current forecast values are 6 to 10 feet
from the Ochlockonee River to the Suwannee River, 4 to 6 feet from
Indian Pass to the Ochlockonee River, and 1 to 2 feet from Mexico
Beach to Indian Pass. Remember that these are highly track-
dependent. A Storm Surge Warning remains in effect for all of
Apalachee Bay. Onshore flow will continue over parts of Apalachee
Bay through much of the day Monday before becoming more offshore
Tuesday based on the current forecast track.
&&
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation is not requested. However, spotters are always
encouraged to safely report significant weather conditions when they
occur by calling the office or tweeting us @NWSTallahassee.
&&
.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Tallahassee 80 74 87 74 / 100 60 60 30
Panama City 86 76 93 79 / 80 40 30 20
Dothan 84 74 92 75 / 70 30 30 10
Albany 81 73 87 74 / 90 70 60 30
Valdosta 80 74 84 74 / 100 90 80 50
Cross City 83 76 87 76 / 100 80 80 50
Apalachicola 84 77 90 80 / 90 50 50 30
&&
.TAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Tropical Storm Warning for FLZ014>017-026-114.
Flood Watch through Tuesday morning for FLZ015-017>019-027>029-
034-115-118-127-128-134.
Hurricane Warning for FLZ018-019-027>029-034-115-118-127-128-
134.
High Rip Current Risk through late Tuesday night for FLZ108-112-
114-115.
Storm Surge Warning for FLZ115-118-127-128-134.
GA...Tropical Storm Warning for GAZ127>131-145>148-156>158.
Flood Watch through Tuesday morning for GAZ127>131-145>148-
157>161.
Hurricane Warning for GAZ159>161.
Tropical Storm Watch for GAZ125-126-143-144-155.
AL...None.
GM...Tropical Storm Warning for GMZ750-752-770-772.
Hurricane Warning for GMZ730-755-765-775.
&&
NEAR TERM...Scholl
SHORT TERM...Scholl
LONG TERM....Worster
AVIATION...WFO
MARINE...LF
FIRE WEATHER...Scholl
HYDROLOGY...YoungPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
817 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0541 PM Tropical Cyclone 2 S Lake Jackson 30.50N 84.33W
08/04/2024 Leon FL NWS Employee
Tree snapped near North Monroe St. and I-10.
Time estimated using radar.
&&
JCWPreliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
945 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0902 PM Tropical Cyclone 3 W Sanborn 30.08N 84.66W
08/04/2024 Liberty FL Emergency Mngr
Large oak tree down across the northbound
lanes of CR-67 at Forest Road 184. The tree
took down the power lines. No injuries
reported. The roadway has been cleared and
the power lines have been repaired.
&&The Tallahassee radar (KTLH), 143 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 13:01 UTC.
13 tropical storm, 6 hurricane (typhoon), 6 flash flood, 2 storm surge/tide, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
There were many downed trees and power lines.
There were many downed trees and power lines across the county. Two people died in traffic accidents, and one person died from a tree falling through the roof of a house.
Wind damage due to trees and power lines down totaled $6,662,381.00 according to Tri-County Electric.
Numerous trees and power lines were blown down across the county.
Numerous trees and power lines were blown down across the county. A trained spotter estimated winds of 75 mph gusting to 90 mph. More than 100 homes were damaged from either wind or flooding. Downed trees and power lines resulted in temporary road closures and extended power outages. Power outages lasted up to 3 to 4 days.
A few trees and power lines were blown down.
There were 102 trees reported down, which impacted 51 power lines across Leon county. This resulted in power outages for more than 55,000 customers. There was minimal damage to structures. FSU reported only minor damage to small trees with some branches down.
Minor storm surge flooding occurred with water barely making it over the sea walls/ground level.
The highest water marks measured by a survey team from FDEM were around 3 feet AGL in Horseshoe Beach.
Flooding was reported in the Old Town area.
Beach Road was reported to be flooded.
Water surrounded a barn in the Lee area according to video posted on social media.
Flooding was reported in several areas of Madison county.
FL511 reported that Highway 51 at Tennille was blocked due to flooding.
Media showed video of a flooded property in Perry with water near a structure.
Long duration areal flooding occurred across southeast Madison county due to heavy rainfall of around 12 inches from Hurricane Debby. The Ragans Family Campground was flooded and forced to close, which resulted in a few hundred campers being evacuated. Other homes and rural roads were inundated in the area. The flooding was slow to recede in some areas and lasted all the way through August 26th.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane (Typhoon), Inland Dixie | 2024-08-05 | Permanent Home | Direct | ||
| Hurricane (Typhoon), Inland Dixie | 2024-08-05 | Vehicle/Towed Trailer | Indirect | ||
| Hurricane (Typhoon), Inland Dixie | 2024-08-05 | Vehicle/Towed Trailer | Indirect |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Florida in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Florida, August 2024The 2024 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: 1197228, 1197229, 1197231, 1197232, 1197233, 1197234, 1197246, 1197248, 1197249, 1197250, 1197252, 1197253, 1197254, 1209659, 1209660, 1192172, 1192173, 1192174, 1192176, 1192177, 1192178, 1197237, 1197238, 1197239, 1197240, 1197241, 1197243, 1209657.