Georgia, 2024

Tropical Storm and Flash Flooding in Georgia, August 5 to 8, 2024

August 5 to 8, 2024 · NWS CHS · 22 events in 11 counties and zones

Debby first developed into a tropical storm about 100 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida late afternoon on August 3rd, then gradually strengthened to a strong tropical storm while tracking north across the eastern Gulf of Mexico on August 4th. Debby then reached hurricane force strength late on August 4th about 100 miles west-northwest of Tampa, before continuing a north-northeast track…

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it; 1 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

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The toll

Deaths
0
Injuries
0
Property damage
$450,000
Crop damage
None recorded
Events
22

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 CHS wrote it up.

Debby first developed into a tropical storm about 100 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida late afternoon on August 3rd, then gradually strengthened to a strong tropical storm while tracking north across the eastern Gulf of Mexico on August 4th. Debby then reached hurricane force strength late on August 4th about 100 miles west-northwest of Tampa, before continuing a north-northeast track across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and eventually making landfall near the Big Bend area of Florida as a Category 1 Hurricane during the morning of August 5th. Debby continued inland and weakened to a tropical storm while tracking northeast across northern Florida later on August 5th, then continued a gradual weakening trend while tracking across Southeast Georgia as a tropical storm (45 mph) before slowly emerging off the Southeast Coast at tropical storm strength (40 mph) near Tybee Island, Georgia on August 6th. A minimum surface pressure of 996.7 mb was recorded at Tybee South (XTYE) on Tybee Island, Georgia as Debby emerged back across Atlantic waters. Debby then tracked east and farther offshore early August 7th, then turned north and became a strong tropical storm (60 mph) over the Gulf Stream later that morning, before taking a more north-northwest track back toward the Southeast Coast and making landfall near Awendaw/Bulls Bay, South Carolina as a tropical storm (50 mph) around 2 AM on August 8th. After landfall, Debby continued on a north-northwest track across South Carolina as a tropical storm into mid day August 8th, before weakening to a depression later that day and continuing a north path across North Carolina and Virginia into early August 9th.

Across Southeast Georgia, the main impacts associated with Debby included flash flooding due to widespread heavy rainfall and scattered tree damage associated with near tropical storm force winds.

Prolonged heavy rainfall across Southeast Georgia brought widespread flash flooding on August 5th and 6th, additional areas of flash flooding on August 7th and 8th, along with considerable and prolonged flooding of creeks, streams and main stem rivers for several days thereafter. Numerous homes and roads were flooded, leading to rescues and/or evacuations. Storm total rainfall amounts from August 4th to August 9th generally ranged between 5 to 14 inches with highest amounts across inland areas along a stretch from Tattnall County to Screven County and into parts of Evans County and Effingham County. A peak storm total rainfall of 14.85 inches was recorded by a CoCoRaHS observer approximately 1.4 miles east-southeast of Oliver, Georgia. Despite a large amount of rain and flash flooding, storm surge/coastal flooding did not lead to mentionable impacts locally. The highest water level at the Fort Pulaski (FPKG1) tide gauge was 1.68 ft MHHW during the evening of August 5th. No injuries or fatalities occurred with flash flooding/flooding.

Tropical storm force winds/gusts produced scattered tree damage and communication/power outages across several counties, but generally had less reported impacts compared to flash flooding. Strongest winds were recorded across coastal areas and nearby coastal waters. The highest sustained tropical storm wind (39 knots) and highest tropical storm wind gust (48 knots) occurred at Tybee South (KTYE) on Tybee Island, Georgia. However, the highest tropical storm wind gust of 48 knots also occurred at the Savannah International Airport (KSAV). Across nearby Georgia coastal waters, the highest sustained tropical storm wind (38 knots) and highest tropical storm wind gust (45 knots) occurred at the Grays Reef Buoy (41008). No injuries or fatalities occurred by tropical cyclone winds.

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 Charleston, SC wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Aug 5, 12:29 PM EST, 3 hours 2 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Aug 5, 12:29 PM EST, 3 hours 2 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Charleston SC
129 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024

...DEBBY TO BRING POTENTIALLY HISTORIC AND CATASTROPHIC FLOODING TO
THE AREA THIS WEEK..

.SYNOPSIS...
Tropical Storm Debby will impact the region through much of the
week. Potentially historic rainfall amounts will likely result
in severe to catastrophic flash flooding.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
The forecast is pretty much on track other than incorporating
the latest NHC track on Debby in the gridded forecasts. Based on
the 11 AM advisory probabilities, the Tropical Storm Watch for
Candler, Bulloch and Effingham has been upgraded to a Tropical
Storm Warning.

Shear profiles from KCLX VWP show conditions are slowly becoming
increasingly favorable for tornadoes and waterspouts. A few
rotating couplets have already been observed off the Georgia
coast. Expect Tornado Watches will be expanded into southern
South Carolina later this afternoon as Tropical Storm Debby
draws closer.

Today and Tonight: Weather impacts experienced locally will be
highly dependent on the overall track/position of Debby. The latest
NHC forecast brings Debby across the Florida Panhandle this morning
and early afternoon, then slowing it down while tracking north-
northeast into Southern and Southeast Georgia mid afternoon into the
evening due to weak steering flow in place. This track will place
much of the the local area in the northeast quadrant of Debby as it
approaches from the south/southwest throughout the day, leading to
warm onshore flow and a large plume of tropical moisture advecting
across the area. The environment will be primed for a heavy rainfall
event, starting as early as late morning/early afternoon and
eventually an isolated tornado threat late day and overnight.

Latest radar trends indicate broad outer rainbands associated with
Debby crossing the Altamaha River early morning, with additional
showers pushing onshore across coastal areas, including north into
Southeast South Carolina by late morning. Precip coverage and
intensity is anticipated to increase and spread inland throughout
the day, with the bulk of the area experiencing numerous to
widespread showers and thunderstorms mid to late afternoon. With
PWATS approaching 2.5 inches, heavy rainfall continues to be of
high confidence and also the highest impact anticipated from
Debby. Numerous rounds of intense rainfall are possible across
the region, with an increasing threat for flash flooding heading
into tonight as Debby makes a closer approach and slows. A
Flood Watch continues across the entire area today and tonight.
For more details regarding the rainfall forecast and associated
impacts see the Hydrology section below.

Debby will also bring the potential for tornadoes in the more
favorable northeast quadrant of the system. Latest guidance
indicates an instability and shear axis developing across Georgia
coastal waters and into southern most zones of Southeast Georgia by
late morning, leading to an isolated risk of a tornado near coastal
Georgia initially and perhaps across locations further inland along
and south of I-16. Given the potential, a Tornado Watch has been
issued for this area until 4 PM today.

A more substantial tornado risk should occur late day and overnight
when a more pronounced instability and shear axis develops in the
same area, then moves north with a second wave of showers and
thunderstorms as Debby nears. Although the risk for tornadoes could
extend slightly inland depending on the track of Debby, the greatest
risk appears to be across coastal Georgia, then into southern
coastal South Carolina through the night, which is aligned with the
HREF updraft helicity tracks/ensemble paintball. An additional
Tornado Watch could eventually be needed.

A Tropical Storm Warning will remain in effect for the southeast
Georgia and Southeast South Carolina coast, including much of
Southeast Georgia along and south of I-16. A Tropical Storm Watch
will continue for another tier of counties north in Southeast
Georgia, which could eventually be transitioned to a Tropical Storm
Warning. Refer to the latest Hurricane Local Statement (HLS product)
for the latest on current watches and warnings locally.

&&

.SHORT TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
The latest NHC track indicates the center of Debby would be over
southeast Georgia at the start of the period. Debby is expected to
move offshore Tuesday afternoon and meander nearby Wednesday into
Thursday. The longer residence time over the Atlantic could have it
strengthening some before making landfall again along the South
Carolina coast later Thursday.

The most notable impact from Debby will be the potentially historic
rainfall. Multiple rounds of heavy rain are expected across the area
through Thursday, and a Flood Watch will remain in effect. For more
details regarding the rainfall forecast and associated impacts, see
the Hydrology section below.

Based on the current track, the highest probabilities for tropical
storm force winds is across coastal counties and over far southeast
Georgia counties near the Altamaha. A Tropical Storm Warning is in
effect for these locations. A Tropical Storm Watch is still in
effect for the next tier of counties of inland Georgia - Candler,
Bulloch, and Effingham - but confidence in TS force winds there is
lower. The threat for tropical storm force winds will spread from
south to north Tuesday into Tuesday night.

In addition, the risk for tornadoes in rainbands will persist
Tuesday into Tuesday night. The threat area will be highly dependent
on the track, but at this point, areas along and near the coast have
the highest potential.

&&

.LONG TERM /THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY/...
Based on the official NHC track, Debby will still be meandering in
the region at the start of the period, but should start making
northward progress beyond that. By the weekend, we should begin to
transition back to a pattern more typical of early August. Highest
rain chances will be on Friday before Debby finally pulls away.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY/...
06/18Z TAF Discussion:
KCHS/KJZI/KJZI: Steady rains will impact all terminals into
Tuesday morning as Tropical Storm Debby draws closer. MVFR
conditions will lower to IFR as rainfall rates pick up and.
Vsbys were limited to 1/2SM for now, but pockets of lower vsbys
near 1/4SM could occur. There is a risk for low-level wind shear
beginning as early as 06z at KCHS and KJZI and 21z at KSAV.

Extended Aviation Outlook: Prolonged periods of flight restrictions
are expected through much of the week as Debby impacts the
region.

&&

.MARINE...
Today and Tonight: The track and intensity of Debby will determine
the marine forecast and impacts across local waters. The most recent
NHC forecast depicts Debby tracking across northern Florida this
morning, slowing while entering southern/southeast Georgia this
afternoon and night. This places our coastal waters within the
northeast quadrant Debby, and an elevated risk for waterspouts
within rainbands as early as late morning, but more likely this
afternoon and tonight when a more pronounced axis of instability and
shear develops as Debby nears. A Tornado Watch has been issued for
nearshore Georgia waters until 4 PM to account for initial
waterspout activity. Additional Tornado Watches could eventually be
needed across coastal waters. Outside the waterspout concern, east-
southeast winds roughly upwards to 15-20 kt with gusts to 25 kts
today will increase late day and overnight, approaching tropical
storm force as Debby draws closer to the coast. Seas are also
expected to build, from 4-7 ft today (largest across Georgia waters)
to 7-10 ft overnight (largest beyond 10 nm from the coast). Tropical
Storm Warnings will therefore continue for all coastal waters.

Tuesday through Saturday: The track and intensity of Debby will
determine the details of the marine forecast across the local
waters. The most recent NHC forecast would indicate Debby will
emerge off the southeast Georgia coast as a tropical storm Tuesday
afternoon and then meander offshore Wednesday into Thursday. Debby
is then expected to make landfall along the South Carolina coast
later Thursday. Given a potentially longer residence time over
waters, the storm could gain some strength before making landfall.
Mariners should prepare for hazardous marine conditions through the
week with tropical storm force winds, very elevated seas, and
potential for waterspouts in rainbands. A Tropical Storm Warning is
in effect for all coastal waters, including the Charleston
Harbor. Conditions should slowly improve late in the period.

Rip Currents/High Surf: Hazardous beach conditions are expected
through much of the week as Debby impacts the region. A High Risk of
rip currents is forecast for Tuesday and will likely continue
beyond. In addition, large breaking waves will impact the
beaches.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Debby is expected to produce potentially historic rainfall amounts
that will likely result in areas of catastrophic flooding across
southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. A Flood Watch
remains in effect for all of southeast Georgia and southeast South
Carolina through Friday morning.

Once Debby moves onshore in the Big Bend region of Florida this
morning, it is forecast to slowly move northeast and eastward across
southern and southeast Georgia. Debby is then forecast to move into
the Atlantic off the GA coast Tuesday afternoon, potentially
strengthening and bringing additional intense rainfall to coastal
areas within the main core of the system. The combination of deep
tropical moisture and a nearly stationary or meandering tropical
system will set the table for a prolonged period of intense
rainfall. The forecast continues to advertise rainfall totals of 10-
20 inches across all of southeast Georgia and southeast South
Carolina, with localized amounts of up to 30 inches possible. Even
more concerning is that the swath of heaviest rain is likely to fall
along the coastal corridor, including heavily urbanized areas across
Savannah, Hilton Head, Beaufort, and Charleston. This area is
included in a rare High Risk Excessive Rainfall Outlook from the
Weather Prediction Center, further highlighting the potential for
widespread damaging flash flooding.

With these expected rainfall totals, impacts will be widespread and
severe, likely including numerous flooded homes and structures,
damage to roadways including washouts, and unprecedented flooding
along and near smaller creeks and streams. Additionally, there will
likely be an extended period of major flooding (possibly record
setting) along larger main stem rivers that continues well after
Debby moves away from the region. The most intense rainfall will
likely come in bands followed by periods of time of considerably
lighter rainfall or even no rain at all. It remains too early to
determine precise periods of time of when the heaviest rainfall will
occur through the late week time period.

&&

.CHS WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
GA...Tropical Storm Warning for GAZ099>101-114>119-137>141.
     Flood Watch through Friday morning for GAZ087-088-099>101-
     114>119-137>141.
     High Risk for Rip Currents until 8 PM EDT this evening for GAZ117-
     119-139-141.
     Storm Surge Warning for GAZ117-119-139-141.
SC...Tropical Storm Warning for SCZ045-047>052.
     Flood Watch through Friday morning for SCZ040-042>045-047>052.
     High Risk for Rip Currents until 8 PM EDT this evening for
     SCZ048>051.
     Storm Surge Warning for SCZ048>052.
MARINE...Tropical Storm Warning for AMZ330-350-352-354-374.
&&
Hazardous weather outlook, Aug 5, 2:56 PM EST, 35 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Charleston SC
356 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024

GAZ101-116-118-137-138-140-SCZ045-047-062000-
Effingham-Inland Bryan-Inland Chatham-Long-Inland Liberty-
Inland McIntosh-Inland Berkeley-Inland Jasper-
356 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...
...TORNADO WATCH 599 IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia and
southeast South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Tornado 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.

   Flood Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Please relay any reports of hazardous weather including, but not
limited to large hail, damaging winds and flooding to the National
Weather Service in Charleston at 1-888-383-2024.

GAZ087-088-SCZ040-062000-
Jenkins-Screven-Allendale-
356 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia and
southeast South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.

.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.

   Flood Watch.

Tropics: Tropical storm force winds will be possible Tuesday through
Thursday as Debby moves through the area. Tropical Storm Watches and
Warnings could be needed.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Please relay any reports of hazardous weather including, but not
limited to large hail, damaging winds and flooding to the National
Weather Service in Charleston at 1-888-383-2024.

GAZ117-119-139-141-SCZ048>051-062000-
Coastal Bryan-Coastal Chatham-Coastal Liberty-Coastal McIntosh-
Beaufort-Coastal Colleton-Charleston-Coastal Jasper-
356 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...
...TORNADO WATCH 599 IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...HIGH RISK FOR RIP CURRENTS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS
EVENING...
...STORM SURGE WARNING IN EFFECT...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia and
southeast South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   High Risk for Rip Currents.
   Tornado Watch.
   Storm Surge Warning.
   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.

   Flood Watch.
   Storm Surge Warning.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Please relay any reports of hazardous weather including, but not
limited to large hail, damaging winds and flooding to the National
Weather Service in Charleston at 1-888-383-2024.

GAZ099-100-114-115-062000-
Candler-Bulloch-Tattnall-Evans-
356 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast Georgia.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   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.

   Flood Watch.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Please relay any reports of hazardous weather including, but not
limited to large hail, damaging winds and flooding to the National
Weather Service in Charleston at 1-888-383-2024.

SCZ042>044-062000-
Hampton-Inland Colleton-Dorchester-
356 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...
...TORNADO WATCH 599 IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EDT TUESDAY...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Tornado Watch.

.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.

   Flood Watch.

Tropics: Tropical storm force winds will be possible Tuesday through
Thursday as Debby moves through the area. Tropical Storm Watches and
Warnings could be needed.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Please relay any reports of hazardous weather including, but not
limited to large hail, damaging winds and flooding to the National
Weather Service in Charleston at 1-888-383-2024.

AMZ330-350-352-354-374-062000-
Charleston Harbor-
Waters from South Santee River to Edisto Beach SC out 20 NM-
Waters from Edisto Beach SC to Savannah GA out 20 NM-
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 from 20 to 60 NM-
356 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024

...TORNADO WATCH 599 IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon 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.
   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.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Please relay any reports of hazardous weather including, but not
limited to large hail, damaging winds and flooding to the National
Weather Service in Charleston at 1-888-383-2024.

SCZ052-062000-
Tidal Berkeley-
356 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY MORNING...
...TORNADO WATCH 599 IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EDT TUESDAY...
...STORM SURGE WARNING IN EFFECT...
...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southeast South Carolina.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Tornado Watch.
   Storm Surge Warning.
   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.

   Flood Watch.
   Storm Surge Warning.
   Tropical Storm Warning.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Please relay any reports of hazardous weather including, but not
limited to large hail, damaging winds and flooding to the National
Weather Service in Charleston at 1-888-383-2024.

In the hours before

Local storm report, Aug 5, 1:13 PM EST, 2 hours 18 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Charleston SC
213 PM EDT Mon Aug 05 2024

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

0155 PM     Flood            Charleston              32.78N  79.94W
08/05/2024                   Charleston         SC   Law Enforcement

            Hagood Ave is closed due to flooding.

&&

Event Number CHS2400834

DAK
Local storm report, Aug 5, 1:15 PM EST, 2 hours 16 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Charleston SC
215 PM EDT Mon Aug 05 2024

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

0129 PM     Flood            Charleston              32.78N  79.94W
08/05/2024                   Charleston         SC   Law Enforcement

            Road closed due to Flooding: Ashley Ave between Bennett
            St and Calhoun St.

&&

Event Number CHS2400835

DAK
Local storm report, Aug 5, 1:17 PM EST, 2 hours 14 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Charleston SC
217 PM EDT Mon Aug 05 2024

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

0130 PM     Flood            Charleston              32.78N  79.94W
08/05/2024                   Charleston         SC   Law Enforcement

            Road closed due to Flooding: Rutledge Ave between
            Calhoun St and Bennett St.

&&

Event Number CHS2400836

DAK
Local storm report, Aug 5, 1:19 PM EST, 2 hours 12 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Charleston SC
219 PM EDT Mon Aug 05 2024

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

0128 PM     Flood            Charleston              32.78N  79.94W
08/05/2024                   Charleston         SC   Law Enforcement

            Road closed due to flooding: Ogier St between
            Vanderhorst St and Calhoun St.

&&

Event Number CHS2400837

DAK
Local storm report, Aug 5, 1:21 PM EST, 2 hours 10 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Charleston SC
221 PM EDT Mon Aug 05 2024

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

0130 PM     Flood            Charleston              32.78N  79.94W
08/05/2024                   Charleston         SC   Law Enforcement

            Road closed due to flooding: Instersection of King St
            and Huger St- All lanes closed.

&&

Event Number CHS2400838

DAK
Local storm report, Aug 5, 1:25 PM EST, 2 hours 6 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Charleston SC
225 PM EDT Mon Aug 05 2024

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

0212 PM     Flood            Charleston              32.78N  79.94W
08/05/2024                   Charleston         SC   Law Enforcement

            Road closed due to flooding: Gadsden St between Bennett
            St and Bull St.

&&

Event Number CHS2400839

DAK

The radar

The Charleston,SC radar (KCLX), 124 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:15 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

13 flash flood, 6 flood, 3 tropical storm. Local standard time, as filed.

Tropical Storm, Coastal Chatham

When
August 5, 3:31 PM EST to 10:22 PM EST
Where
Coastal Chatham forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager

Chatham County Emergency Management reported 1 tree down on a house on the east side of Savannah in Coastal Chatham. A maximum sustained wind of 45 mph and gust of 55 mph occurred at Tybee South (XTYE) during the event.

Tropical Storm, Inland Chatham

When
August 5, 4:46 PM EST to 9:05 PM EST
Where
Inland Chatham forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager

Chatham County Emergency Management reported 2 trees down across Inland Chatham, including one on a home Savannah. A maximum sustained wind of 36 mph and gust of 55 mph occurred at the Savannah International Airport (KSAV) during the event.

Flash Flood, Long

When
August 5, 6:30 PM EST to 7:30 PM EST
Where
Long County, 0.91 mi NW of Bayview to 1.07 mi E of Ludowici
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
31.710, -81.740

A COOP Observer reported a residence flooded along Highway 84 East in Ludowici, Georgia.

Flash Flood, Evans

When
August 5, 7:00 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where
Evans County, 1.25 mi E of Claxton to 0.23 mi ESE of Claxton
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.170, -81.899

A Evans County emergency manager reported water entering 3 homes in Claxton due to heavy rainfall. One home was on Turnpike Road near Perkins Mill Road where a family had to be rescued from the residence. Another of the flooded homes was in the 300 Block of North Ralph Street.

Flash Flood, Tattnall

When
August 5, 7:00 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where
Tattnall County, 0.69 mi N of Glennville to 0.78 mi N of Glennville
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
COOP Observer
Coordinates
31.940, -81.930

A COOP observer reported Saint Jude Catholic Church on North Veteran's Boulevard flooded with water in the structure.

Flash Flood, Evans

When
August 6, 1:00 AM EST to 2:00 AM EST
Where
Evans County, 2.66 mi S of Hagan to 2.47 mi S of Hagan
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.111, -81.930

A Evans County emergency manager provided drone video of a dam breach on Smith Brothers Lake, located just west of Perry Road and south of Edgar Griffin Road. The 85 acre lake was overflowing and Perry Road was closed due to unsafe travel conditions. The overtopping of water started during early morning hours.

Flash Flood, Chatham

When
August 6, 7:52 AM EST to 8:52 AM EST
Where
Chatham County, 1.52 mi SSW of Central Jct to 1.71 mi SW of Central Jct
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.061, -81.133

A Chatham County emergency manager reported a structure flooded on Corvair Avenue in Savannah, Georgia.

Flash Flood, Chatham

When
August 6, 9:30 AM EST to 10:30 AM EST
Where
Chatham County, 1.47 mi SSW of Central Jct to 1.81 mi SW of Central Jct
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.062, -81.134

Emergency management reported flood waters entering a home in the 300 Block of Comet Street. Water was also about to enter several nearby homes as well.

Tropical Storm, Effingham

When
August 6, 10:01 AM EST to 12:01 PM EST
Where
Effingham forecast zone
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.367, -81.341 (the zone’s center; the record gives no point)

Effingham County Emergency Management reported numerous trees and power lines down across the entire county.

Flash Flood, Effingham

When
August 6, 10:18 AM EST to 11:18 AM EST
Where
Effingham County, 5.49 mi NW of Clyo to 3.67 mi SE of Berrys
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage
$100,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.545, -81.324

An Effingham County emergency manager reported around 10 roads washed out across the county. The washed out roads were listed at the following locations: 1100 Block of Arnsdorff Lane, Springfield-Egypt Road and Tarver Pond Drive, Turkey Branch Road, Lorenzo Hurst Road, Old Louisville Road and Riverside Drive, Herbert Kessler Road and Blue Jay Road, Corinth Church Road. The 300 Block of South Ash Street was also damaged with the roadbed completely washed out.

Flash Flood, Chatham

When
August 6, 12:00 PM EST to 1:00 PM EST
Where
Chatham County, 1.81 mi SW of Central Jct to 1.89 mi SW of Central Jct
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.060, -81.140

A Chatham County emergency manager reported 37 homes surrounded by flood waters in the Tremont Park area. Flood waters had entered 6 homes.

Flash Flood, Jenkins

When
August 6, 1:00 PM EST to August 7, 1:00 AM EST
Where
Jenkins County, 1.04 mi NNE of Millen Arpt to 1.87 mi E of Perkins
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage
$250,000
Reported by
County Official
Coordinates
32.914, -81.964

County officials reported at least 25 roads (20 dirt roads) washed out across Jenkins County due to heavy rainfall from Debby. Most of these roads were listed on the Jenkins County Board of Commissioners Facebook page at 621 PM EST on 8/7. Event times for each individual road washout are unknown but likely occurred during the day of 8/6 and overnight into early 8/7.

Flash Flood, Tattnall

When
August 6, 11:47 PM EST to August 7, 12:47 AM EST
Where
Tattnall County, 5.08 mi NE of Hughland to 4.73 mi SSE of Manassas
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.090, -82.000

A Tattnall County emergency manager reported a collapsed section of Levi Kennedy Road near Hodges Pond due to floodwaters.

Flash Flood, Tattnall

When
August 7, 12:00 AM EST to 1:00 AM EST
Where
Tattnall County, 0.69 mi N of Mendes to 0.24 mi NNE of Mendes
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.010, -81.970

A Tattnall County emergency manager reported a road collapse due to floodwaters along Harmony Church Road.

Flash Flood, Tattnall

When
August 7, 12:45 AM EST to 1:45 AM EST
Where
Tattnall County, 1.2 mi ENE of Altamaha to 0.93 mi E of Altamaha
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage
$20,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
31.974, -82.180

A Tattnall County emergency manager reported floodwaters causing a collapsed paved section of Cedar Hall Road by the Big Club House Pond.

Flood, Bulloch

When
August 7, 6:00 AM EST to 7:00 AM EST
Where
Bulloch County, 1.36 mi WSW of Statesboro Muni Arpt to 1.87 mi WSW of Statesboro Muni Arpt
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
911 Call Center
Coordinates
32.470, -81.750

The Bulloch County 911 Call Center reported several homes near Mill Creek being evacuated due to flooding. Several roads were also flooded across the county.

Flash Flood, Jenkins

When
August 7, 7:12 AM EST to 8:12 AM EST
Where
Jenkins County, 0.9 mi SE of Thrift to 0.49 mi ESE of Thrift
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage
$40,000
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.690, -82.040

A Jenkins County emergency manager reported Joe Waters Road washed out due to floodwaters and eventually leading to a vehicle driving into it and being washed down a nearby creek. Assistance was needed for the occupant with no injuries reported.

Flood, Candler

When
August 7, 10:00 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST
Where
Candler County, 2.82 mi NNE of Pulaski to 2.59 mi NNE of Pulaski
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.420, -81.940

A Candler County emergency manager reported an assistance needed due to water entering a home along Salem Church Road near Lotts Creek Road.

Flood, Liberty

When
August 7, 10:00 AM EST to 11:00 AM EST
Where
Liberty County, 2.4 mi WSW of Midway to 0.85 mi NNE of Mc Intosh
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
31.784, -81.466

A Liberty County emergency manager reported flood waters entering a residence near the 500 Block of Cross Creek Drive as well as 2 other homes along Leroy-Coffer Highway.

Flood, Bulloch

When
August 7, 10:54 AM EST to 11:54 AM EST
Where
Bulloch County, 2.15 mi NNE of Register to 1.3 mi NW of Jimps
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
Broadcast Media
Coordinates
32.400, -81.870

A social media video showed floodwater 2 to 3 feet deep entering several structures along the lake, including homes and boat houses.

Flood, Effingham

When
August 8, 11:00 AM EST to 12:00 PM EST
Where
Effingham County, 2.15 mi SSW of Meldrim to 2.54 mi SSW of Meldrim
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.120, -81.390

An Effingham County emergency manager reported a water evacuation in progress along River Oak Drive due to flooding along the Ogeechee River near Eden.

Flood, Effingham

When
August 8, 11:45 AM EST to 12:45 PM EST
Where
Effingham County, 2.17 mi SSW of Meldrim to 1.97 mi SSW of Meldrim
Cause
Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Reported by
Emergency Manager
Coordinates
32.121, -81.395

An Effingham County emergency manager reported evacuations in progress along Edgewater Drive due to flooding along the Ogeechee River.

What these are

Tropical Storm
A tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 34 to 63 knots (39 to 73 mph).
Flash Flood
Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Flood
Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

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

The same day elsewhere

More

Every storm in Georgia in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Georgia, August 2024The 2024 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: 1214847, 1214845, 1214242, 1214243, 1214244, 1214245, 1214246, 1214247, 1214881, 1214248, 1214249, 1214261, 1214250, 1214252, 1214251, 1214286, 1214253, 1214292, 1214297, 1214298, 1214371, 1214373.