Tropical Depression — Tidal Berkeley, South Carolina

2018-09-14 to 2018-09-15 · Tidal Berkeley, South Carolina

Event narrative

Scattered trees were reported down across Berkeley County due to Tropical Storm Florence.

Wider weather episode

Florence started as Tropical Depression Six over the far eastern Atlantic on August 31st, about 70 miles south-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. Florence quickly strengthened into a Tropical Storm and continued on a west-northwestward track for the next several days. Florence then strengthened into a Hurricane, but weakened back to a Tropical Storm a couple of days later. As it weakened, Florence took on a due westward track that persisted for a few days. Then on September 9th and 10th, Florence underwent rapid intensification over the open Atlantic and became a Major Hurricane. The storm then tracked northwestward toward the North Carolina coast. As it approached, Florence steadily weakened and slowed down. Florence eventually made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane at 7:15 am EDT on September 14th near Wrightsville Beach, NC. Once inland, Florence weakened to a Tropical Storm and moved very slowly to the west and then the west-southwest across far southeastern North Carolina and far eastern South Carolina. The center of Florence stayed just outside of the NWS Charleston, SC forecast area, passing just north of Berkeley County.

Despite the center of Florence passing so close to the area, impacts from the storm were minor and limited. Rainfall from Florence for most areas was very light and did not produce any known flooding issues. The greatest amounts were in the 3-6 inch range and were confined to eastern Berkeley and Charleston counties closer to the Santee River. The peak reported rainfall amount was 7.57 inches at the Climate Reference Network site located about 7 miles northeast of McClellanville. Winds were gusty as Florence made its closest pass with gusts generally topping out in the 40-50 mph range. The peak recorded gust was 53 mph and occurred at the Charleston International Airport (KCHS). Wind damage was isolated and mainly occurred across portions of Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, and Colleton counties.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 786146. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.