Tropical Storm in Coastal Mcintosh, Georgia

Tropical Depression Ernesto moved off the east central Florida coast late on August 30 and strengthened back to a Tropical Storm early on August 31st off the southeast Georgia coast. Ernesto strengthened into a strong tropical storm during the afternoon of August 31 as it moved north and northeast paralleling the GA/SC coast. At is closest location, the center of the storm was 70 miles east of Charleston. Most of the effects were felt over the Atlantic waters where winds gusted well over tropical storm force. Peak winds reported inland over southeas GA were 15 to 25 mph. Storm surge was minimal with no major impact to the beaches. Light to moderate rainfall was seen mainly along the coast with rain totals less than one inch.