Tropical Storm in Bay, Florida

Claudette formed as tropical depression about 90 miles west-southwest of Tampa during the early morning hours of August 16th. Claudette moved to the northwest and strengthened to a tropical storm later in the morning. A peak wind gust of 51 knots was recorded at Alligator Point in Franklin County. Claudette came ashore along the Florida Panhandle coast near Fort Walton Beach early on August 17th. The lowest sea-level pressure was 1007.7 mb at Destin/Fort Walton Beach Airport. Storm total rainfall ranged from one to four inches. Storm tides ranged were two to four feet along the Panhandle coastline. Minor beach erosion was observed along coastal Gulf County, with minor to moderate beach erosion along coastal Walton County. A man drowned as a result of the strong surf at Panama City Beach. Minor coastal flooding occurred in Wakulla County. Sporadic wind damage was reported in Bay, Gulf and Franklin counties. More than 9,000 residents were without power from the storm. St Andrews, St Joseph Peninsula and St George Island state park officials evacuated visitors and closed campgrounds.