Tropical Storm Gaston - Supplemental Report

The center of Tropical Storm Gaston came ashore near Bulls Bay with sustained 70 mph winds around 930 am on August 29th. The center moved through northern Charleston county into eastern Berkeley county that afternoon. Maximum wind gusts were 81 mph at the Isle of Palms, 73 mph at the East Cooper Airport in Mount Pleasant, 59 mph at Pineville, 55 mph at the Charleston Airport, 51 mph at Folly Beach, and 48 mph in Downtown Charleston. Wind damage occurred in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties with the most widespread and significant damage occurring in northern Charleston county and in Berkeley county.

The winds knocked down numerous trees and large limbs resulting in major damage and the destruction of 8 structures in Charleston county. Over 3000 structures in the 3 counties sustained minor damage. Damage to structures included shingles, siding, gutters, and broken windows. Trees and limbs also fell onto vehicles resulting in damage. There was also damage to power lines and poles, fences, signs, and mail boxes. At the height of the storm, over 150,000 people were without power.

A few power outages occurred in Dorchester county, but most of the power outages were in northern Charleston county and the northern and eastern parts of Berkeley county. Total storm damage estimates were 7.6 million dollars in Charleston county and around 9 million dollars in Berkeley county. The maximum storm surge associated with Gaston was estimated to be 4 to 4.5 feet in Bulls Bay.

Heavy rains associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Gaston amounted to around 10 inches in about 3 to 4 hours over western Williamsburg County on the 29th. This resulted in widespread road closures across western portions of the county. A F1 tornado downed trees and destroyed a wooden fence. There was roof and siding damage to many homes. Heavy rains from the remnants of Tropical Storm Gaston totaled around 6 inches in a few hours, causing flooding, especially in the Lake City and Darlington areas. (17.630M)