Tropical Storm — Burke, Georgia

2024-09-27 · Burke, Georgia

Event narrative

Significant widespread tree and power line damage throughout the county. Large section of the county without power and many structures were damaged by fallen trees. NWS storm survey estimated maximum wind gusts were between 90 to 100+mph. Areas of flooding with 2 day rainfall totals from COOP observer in Waynesboro totaling 3.45 inches. A person died in an auto accident due to an inoperable traffic light.

Wider weather episode

Tropical Storm Helene formed in the NW Caribbean Sea on September 24. Helene moved northward into the Gulf of Mexico where it strengthened into a hurricane on September 25. Helene made landfall as a major hurricane in the Big Bend area of Florida the night of September 26 before quickly moving inland into east central Georgia by early morning on September 27. Helene weakened to a strong tropical storm and produced widespread significant wind damage, including wind gusts above 100 mph across east central Georgia and central South Carolina as well as numerous tornadoes. Numerous fatalities and injuries were reported associated with the passage of Helene.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1207971. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.