High Wind — Unicoi, Tennessee

2024-09-27 · Unicoi, Tennessee

Event narrative

A severe and prolonged high wind event from Helene's elevated winds led to catastrophic wind damage to the forests in Unicoi County, primarily at or near ridge top. A video taken by a member of the public showed extreme devastation along Unaka Mountain Wilderness Area and Stamping Ground Ridge near Highway 107. Hundreds to thousands of trees along the top of this mountain range, particularly the east facing slopes, were felled by the high winds, resulting in dozens of miles of mountain trail closures. Additionally two large trees were felled by wind gusts at a campground in the city of Unicoi. A press release with US Forest Service noted that USFS received a $5.25 million relief grant to repair damages within Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee across several Tennessee counties.

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 1218011. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.