Tropical Storm — Okeechobee, Florida

2024-09-26 to 2024-09-27 · Okeechobee, Florida

Event narrative

Okeechobee County Emergency Management reported limited damage, mainly in the form of fallen trees and power lines. Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 40 to 50 mph. Rainfall totals were generally under 1 inch.

Wider weather episode

Major Hurricane Helene paralleled the west coast of Florida about 100 miles offshore before making landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida near the city of Perry. The system's expansive wind field within its eastern periphery produced a period of tropical storm conditions, particularly in gusts, across much of east central Florida including its adjacent coastal waters. Peak wind gusts ranged between 45 - 55 mph, up to 65 mph in a few locations, which led to minor vegetative damage in the form of downed trees, and minor structural damage mainly to power lines. Rainfall ranged from 1 to 3 inches throughout the area. There were no known tornado or storm surge related impacts.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1218995. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.