High Wind — Sullivan, Tennessee

2024-09-27 · Sullivan, Tennessee

Event narrative

A severe prolonged non-thunderstorm wind event from Helene wrecked havoc across Sullivan County, with dispatch noting an early estimate of a thousand trees being felled by winds that were up to an estimated 80 mph, primarily at higher elevations. In addition, reports from the public including trained spotters noted trees fallen on roads, powerlines, and houses, along with damage to city light posts in Blountville, and sign damage in Bristol. County emergency manager reported one vehicle rescue due to a downed tree, and power outages affecting approximately 2,000 residents. Peak wind gust measured at Tri-Cities Regional Airport was 45 mph at 10:49 AM LST.

Wider weather episode

Tropical Storm Helene caps off a several day heavy rainfall event in association with a stalled closed upper low that drew a stream of tropical moisture into the area on the 25th and 26th. The arrival of Helene on the 27th yielded catastrophic flash flooding and river flooding, as well as significant wind damage as wet soils and strong wind gusts led to forest damage.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1217983. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.