Tropical Storm Tammy - Supplemental Report

Tropical Storm Tammy moved ashore on the northeast Florida coast, but the strongest effects were well north of the actual center. Tropical storm wind gusts as high as 59 mph affected the South Carolina coast. These winds downed numerous trees and power lines on Fripp Island, Hilton Head Island, Wadmalaw Island, Johns Island, Edisto Island, Beaufort, and Hollywood. The most widespread tree damage was in Beaufort County where 30 trees were knocked down, one of which fell into a residence. Severe beach erosion occurred at the Isle of Palms, Edisto Beach and Hunting Island during high tides. The worst damage occurred at Edisto Beach where several homes were undermined by the surf, with one house having to be condemned.

The heaviest rain occurred from about 20 miles from the coast, where between 6 and 8 inches fell over a two day period, with isolated amounts over 12 inches were observed near the city of Georgetown. Many roads were under water and impassable. Much of the damage was due to the cost of repairing roads that were completely washed out. Several homes had several feet of water in them on Highmarket St., and many businesses had minor water damage ($ 1.5M). Flooding began in areas from Pacolet to Pauline to Enoree, when several small creeks flooded. Several motorists were rescued from stalled vehicles.

In the city of Spartanburg, a spotter reported flooding along Lawsons Fork Creek, which expanded to more than 3 times its usual width. At least 2 bridges were flooded. By early evening, numerous roads were closed, mainly in the eastern part of the county. Closed roads included portions of highways 101 and 150. Eastern portions of the county received as much as 14.5 inches of rain in the 48-hour period ending on the morning of the 8th. Saturated ground caused a retaining wall to collapse, crushing 2 vehicles in Spartanburg. Flooding began in the lower Piedmont during the early afternoon, when smaller creeks flooded Pine Haven St in Waterloo and Hillcrest St in Laurens in the western part of the county. Portions of the county received up to 8 inches of rain in a 48-hour period. The total amount of property damage was $2.6M.