Tropical Storm — Barnwell, South Carolina

2024-09-27 · Barnwell, South Carolina

Event narrative

Widespread trees and power lines down. Many roads closed, some for an extended period of time. Large sections of the county without power. Falling trees caused damage to structures across the county. At least 21 homes sustained some level of damage including 1 destroyed and 17 with major damage. South Carolina Forestry estimated 1.5 million dollars in timber loss. Maximum winds measured at Barnwell Regional Airport (KBNL) were 28 knots sustained (32 mph) with a max gust of 46 knots (53 mph). A 200 foot tower in Savannah River Site measured a maximum wind gust of 93.7 mph. NWS analysis estimated maximum gusts were between 80-90 mph. Areas of flooding with maximum 2 day rainfall measured 6.09 inches at the Savannah River Site RAWS.

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 1209663. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.