Tropical Storm — Southeastern Columbia, Florida

2024-08-04 to 2024-08-05 · Southeastern Columbia, Florida

Event narrative

Widespread impacts due to major flash flooding were reported across Columbia county. 12.55 inches of rainfall was measured by a CoCoRaHS observer at Lake City 7.9 SSW during Debby. Wind gusts between 40-48 mph were observed during Debby.

On 8/4 around 8 PM, Columbia County EM and Storm Spotters reported an observed tornado on the ground off HWY 441 near Lake City Airpark and then it crossed I-75 about 3-4 miles south of Lake City. Along the Columbia - Suwannee county line (SW Alfalfa Ave), a home suffered complete destruction of their roof, nearby structures/out-buildings collapse and large tree branches snapped off and were tossed across the yard. On 8/5 at 9:52 pm, Columbia county EM reported State Road 240 in Lake City was washed out and would be closed for an

extended period due to flooding. One submerged vehicle was reported. State Road 247 and Peacock Terrace were closed due to flooding. Trees also snapped at the trunk near Alligator Lake.

Wider weather episode

Hurricane Debby made landfall as a Category 1 storm along the FL Big Bend coast during the early morning of August 5, 2024. Prior to landfall, outer convective bands produced tornadoes across portions of northeast Florida on August 4th. Widespread flooding moved inland with Debby across the Suwannee River Valley and inland Southeast Georgia where flash flooding and moderate to major river flooding occurred.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1198827. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.