Tropical Storm — Mccormick, South Carolina

2024-09-27 · Mccormick, South Carolina

Event narrative

Widespread tree and power line damage throughout the county. Many roads were closed and most of the county was without power for an extended period. Falling trees and wind damaged numerous homes and structures across the county. At least 42 homes sustained some level of damage including 9 destroyed and 20 with major damage. South Carolina Forestry estimated 10 million dollars in timber loss. An NWS storm survey estimated that max wind gusts were around 90-100+ mph based on the extent of damage, especially near Lake Thurmond. Areas of flooding with 2 day rainfall total of 8.30 inches measured by the COOP observer in McCormick.

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 1209441. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.