Tropical Storm in Coastal Okaloosa, Florida

Tropical Storm Helene affected the region during the later half of the third week of September. The area was put under a Tropical Storm Warning at 900 AM, September 21 that continued until 900 AM, September 22. A Hurricane Watch was issued for a short time from 400 PM on September 21 until 400 AM on September 22. Tropical Storm Helene made landfall in the vicinity of Fort Walton on the morning of September 22. The highest sustained winds of 24 knots were reported at Destin. Peak wind gusts were 35 knots at Destin and 38 knots on Pensacola Beach. The lowest Sea Level Pressure observed was 1005.7 MB at Eglin AFB. The heaviest rainfall fell over Okaloosa county, where Crestview received 4.60 inches, and Eglin AFB received 2.70 inches. No major flooding was reported, primarily due to the fact that the region had been in a drought throughout most of the summer. Estimated maximum storm surge was around 1 foot, which resulted in minor coastal flooding near Fort Pickens on Pensacola Beach. Only minor beach erosion occurred elsewhere along the Northwest Florida coast.