Tropical Storm in Coastal Okaloosa, Florida

As hurricane Gustav moved south of the area on September 1, tropical storm force winds were observed along the immediate coast and also offshore. A tropical storm warning that was issued for northwest Florida the end of August, continued into the first of September. The warning was dropped at 900 CST on September 1. Tropical storm force winds were measured at a mesonet site along the coast operated by Eglin Air Force Base. Highest sustained winds were measured at 43 MPG with a peak gust of 51 MPH during the morning hours. Higher than normal tides along the beaches of northwest Florida caused beach erosion. Water also washed across some of the dunes and caused flooding in some roads and also under some condos. Damage estimates from the surge were $550K. Six weak tornadoes were reported along the northwest Florida coast. No major damages were reported from the tornadoes with damage estimates of $200K.

As Gustav moved south of northwest Florida tropical storm force winds were observed along the coastal areas.