Tropical Storm — Okeechobee, Florida

2012-08-27 · Okeechobee, Florida

Event narrative

Persistent heavy rainbands from Tropical Storm Isaac produced widespread flooding across the county. Rainfall totals from the morning of August 26 through late on August 27 averaged 4 to 8 inches, with isolated totals of 10 to 14 inches. One hundred and sixty homes sustained water damage, mostly minor, due to intrusion of standing water, mainly from over-topping of local creeks/canals. Peak wind gusts reached 30-40 mph along the shore of Lake Okeechobee.

Wider weather episode

Tropical Storm Isaac passed southwest of east-central Florida, making its closest approach during the late afternoon and evening hours of August 26. Two tornadoes developed during the morning of August 27 and several tropical storm force wind gusts were observed. County-averaged rainfall amounts over the 2-day period were as high as 10-12 inches within Okeechobee, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties, with isolated totals of 14-17 inches. A majority of the heavy rain fell from early morning through late afternoon of August 27, when flooding resulted in numerous, temporary road closures. Water entered many homes in Okeechobee and Indian River Counties due to over-topping of local creeks/canals and overwhelming of drainage systems.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 395890. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.