Tropical Storm — Lexington, South Carolina

2024-09-27 · Lexington, South Carolina

Event narrative

Many trees and power lines down. Some roads closed and sections of the county lost power. Falling trees caused damage to structures primarily in the western half of the county. At least 44 homes sustained some level of damage including 3 destroyed and 18 with major damage. An NWS storm survey estimated that maximum wind gusts were likely 70-80 mph based on the extent of damage. Maximum wind speed measured at the Columbia Metro Airport (KCAE) was 38 knots sustained (44 mph) with a maximum gust of 58 knots (67 mph). Minimum pressure of 989.7 mb was also measured at KCAE. Areas of flooding observed with generally between 4 to 6 inches of rain observed through the county, although maximum CoCoRaHS observation measured 6.94 inches in Pine Ridge.

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 1209508. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.