A fairly widespread outbreak of severe thunderstorms occurred on Labor Day across much of the NWS Tallahassee County Warning Area (CWA).  This event was forced by unseasonably strong wind fields associated with a potent extra-tropical cyclone that was formerly Tropical Storm Lee.  Post-tropical cyclone Lee was moving slowly toward the east-northeast along the north central Gulf Coast during the morning hours of September 5, 2011.  By 3:00 pm EDT (1900 UTC), the cyclone was centered near Mobile Bay.  It was at this point that the system finally began to accelerate off to the northeast.  While tornadoes were initially considered to be the primary threat, examination of a special 1800 UTC KTAE sounding showed that low level winds had veered and that the flow was unidirectional through a deep layer.  WFO Tallahassee coordinated with the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) to replace the existing tornado watch with a severe thunderstorm watch at 4:00 pm EDT (2000 UTC).  WFO Tallahassee issued a total of 35 convective warnings during the event along with several special marine warnings.  A total of 52 severe weather reports were received across southeast Alabama, southwest and south central Georgia, and the Florida panhandle and big bend.
Aside from the severe weather, the forecast area experienced other peripheral impacts from post-tropical storm Lee. Widespread storm-total rainfall of 3 to 6 inches was measured across the Florida panhandle and big bend, with 1 to 2 inch totals more common across the Alabama and Georgia portions of the CWA.  The Apalachicola and Cedar Key tide gauges showed that tidal departures ran just over 2 feet above normal along the Florida big bend coastline during the high tide cycle of Tuesday morning, September 6. For the most part, flooding was avoided. The water rose up to the top of the sea walls in Dixie County, and there was some minor flooding in Wakulla County where the emergency manager reported about a 2-inch over-wash in St. Marks on Old Fort Rd.  The pressure gradient associated with Post-Tropical Storm Lee produced occasional strong wind gusts across Wakulla county for around 10 hours.  These strong wind gusts, combined with periods of heavy rain and wet soils, led to numerous trees and power lines falling throughout the day and into the evening hours.  The emergency manager reported a total of 16 trees down and 28 power lines down by the end of the day.  Of those 28 power lines, 10 of them sparked fires as a result of blowing down.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALTON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:33:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: DE FUNIAK SPRINGS
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Widespread tree damage was reported in the area.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALTON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:34:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLEASANT RIDGE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Trees were blown down around 2644 Bob Sikes Road.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALTON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:35:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: DE FUNIAK SPRINGS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

A tree was blown down onto a power line near 288 County Highway 83A.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALTON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:41:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: LIBERTY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Trees were blown down around 7140 US Highway 331.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in HOLMES, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:52:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: HICKORY HILL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Two trees were blown down on Highway 81 north of Ponce De Leon.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in HOLMES, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:52:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: PONCE DE LEON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Two trees were blown down along Interstate 10.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in BAY, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:53:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: PANAMA CITY BEACH
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter estimated winds of 60 to 70 mph with power lines blown down.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in BAY, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:58:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: WESTBAY
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A 60 mph wind gust was measured at KECP airport.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 13:28:00 to 05-SEP-11 13:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHIPLEY
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Trees were blown down county wide.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALTON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 14:30:00 to 05-SEP-11 14:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: DE FUNIAK SPRINGS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

More trees were blown down from another round of storms.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Tornado in BAY, FLORIDA
From 04-SEP-11 09:32:00 to 04-SEP-11 09:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: VICKSBURG
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported a tornado near Highway 20 around Crystal Lake.  The tornado dissipated as it crossed the highway.  No known damage occurred.  This tornado was associated with the outer feeder bands from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee.

Funnel Cloud in BAY, FLORIDA
From 04-SEP-11 09:42:00 to 04-SEP-11 09:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: PANAMA CITY BEACH
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Home video was forwarded to the NWS by the public that showed a funnel cloud near Panama City Beach.

Tornado in JACKSON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 11:57:00 to 05-SEP-11 11:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: DELLWOOD
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A brief tornado touchdown occurred near 3164 Highway 69 NE.  The public reported seeing a condensation funnel with trees uprooted and a farm tractor moved.  The report was relayed by the Florida State Watch Office.  This tornado occurred in association with the outer feeder bands of the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 15:01:00 to 05-SEP-11 15:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: MACLAY GARDENS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Trees were blown down near Kerry Forest Pkwy.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 15:01:00 to 05-SEP-11 15:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRADFORDVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Trees were blown down and traffic lights were out around Bradfordville.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in JACKSON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 15:09:00 to 05-SEP-11 15:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: BASCOM
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

A few trees were blown down.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in WAKULLA, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 15:46:00 to 05-SEP-11 15:46:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEWPORT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Trees and power lines were blown down in the eastern part of the county.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAFAYETTE, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 16:03:00 to 05-SEP-11 16:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: COOKS HAMMOCK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Power lines were blown down around the county.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 16:08:00 to 05-SEP-11 16:08:00 (EST-5)
Location: HELL'S HALF ACRE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Trees were blown down in the southern part of the county.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 16:13:00 to 05-SEP-11 16:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: CAPPS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Trees were blown down around Capps.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 16:24:00 to 05-SEP-11 16:24:00 (EST-5)
Location: ALMA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Power lines were blown down along Barnes Road.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 16:10:00 to 05-SEP-11 16:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: CARYVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

A tree was blown down in Caryville.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 19:00:00 to 05-SEP-11 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: LEE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

A power line was blown down near Henderson Farm.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 14:50:00 to 05-SEP-11 14:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: MADISON
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Trees were blown down across Madison on Marion St, Horry Ave, and Washington St.  A large palm tree was also snapped about 15 feet off the ground.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in HOLMES, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:57:00 to 05-SEP-11 13:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: WESTVILLE
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

WMBB News 13 reported widespread and extensive tree and power line damage in Holmes county and the western part of Washington county.  The West Florida Electric Cooperative experienced widespread damage throughout its service area due to numerous downed trees and power lines with crews working non-stop throughout the afternoon to restore power.  Radar showed that a line of storms capable of producing winds in excess of 70 mph moved through the area.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in JACKSON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 13:28:00 to 05-SEP-11 13:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRACEVILLE
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

WMBB News 13 reported that the West Florida Electric Cooperative lost its main transmission feed lines from Graceville to the Bascom and Malone areas due to high winds and numerous trees falling on the lines.  Radar showed that a line of storms capable of producing winds in excess of 70 mph moved through the area.  Monetary damage was estimated.

Strong Wind in INLAND WAKULLA, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 11:45:00 to 05-SEP-11 21:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Property damage: 29.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Strong Wind in COASTAL WAKULLA, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 11:45:00 to 05-SEP-11 21:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Property damage: 29.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Heavy Rain in LEON, FLORIDA
From 04-SEP-11 03:00:00 to 05-SEP-11 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: TOM BROWN PARK
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported 3.65 inches of rain in the Piney Z community between 4 am EDT on September 4th and 7 am EDT on September 5th.  Of that amount, 3.42 inches fell in a 24 hour period between 7 am on the 4th and 7 am on the 5th.

Heavy Rain in LEON, FLORIDA
From 04-SEP-11 00:00:00 to 06-SEP-11 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: EIGHT MILE POND AREA
Reported by: Mesonet

A 48 hour rainfall total of 4.57 inches was reported by the Capital Area Flood Warning Network rain gauge located at Ames Sink.

Heavy Rain in FRANKLIN, FLORIDA
From 03-SEP-11 07:00:00 to 06-SEP-11 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: (AAF)APALACHICOLA ARPT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A 72 hour rainfall total of 4.17 inches was reported at the Apalachicola airport.

Heavy Rain in LEON, FLORIDA
From 03-SEP-11 07:00:00 to 06-SEP-11 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: STATE CAPITOL COMPLEX
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A 72 hour rainfall total of 4.49 inches was reported by CoCoRaHS site FLLN04.

Heavy Rain in LEON, FLORIDA
From 03-SEP-11 07:00:00 to 06-SEP-11 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: STATE CAPITOL COMPLEX
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A 72 hour rainfall total of 4.60 inches was reported by CoCoRaHS site FLLN33.

Heavy Rain in WAKULLA, FLORIDA
From 03-SEP-11 07:00:00 to 06-SEP-11 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CRAWFORDVILLE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A 72 hour rainfall total of 4.32 inches was reported by CoCoRaHS site FLWK04.

Heavy Rain in WASHINGTON, FLORIDA
From 03-SEP-11 06:00:00 to 06-SEP-11 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: VERNON
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A 72 hour rainfall total of 4.87 inches was reported by CoCoRaHS site FLWS01.

Heavy Rain in BAY, FLORIDA
From 03-SEP-11 06:00:00 to 06-SEP-11 06:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HILAND PARK
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A 72 hour rainfall total of 4.77 inches was reported by the Florida COOP site PCYF1.

Heavy Rain in FRANKLIN, FLORIDA
From 03-SEP-11 07:00:00 to 06-SEP-11 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BAY CITY
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A 72 hour rainfall total of 5.90 inches was reported by the Florida COOP site APLF1.

Heavy Rain in LEON, FLORIDA
From 04-SEP-11 15:30:00 to 04-SEP-11 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: TALLAHASSEE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported minor street flooding on Franklin Blvd extending from Tennessee Street to Call Street.  All drainage ditches on Franklin Blvd were close to overflowing.  Based on surrounding reports, rainfall amounts around 3.50 inches had fallen since midnight.

Storm Surge/Tide in COASTAL WAKULLA, FLORIDA
From 06-SEP-11 07:00:00 to 06-SEP-11 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Some minor storm surge flooding was reported with around 2 inches of over-wash in St. Marks on Old Fort Rd.  Tidal departures ran just over 2 feet above normal for the morning high tide cycle on September 6th.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALTON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:30:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: FREEPORT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Power lines were blown down near Highway 20 between Business 331 and the 331 bypass.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALTON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:30:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: PLEASANT RIDGE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Trees were blown down near the intersection of Bond Drive and Cosson Road.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALTON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:33:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROCK HILL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

A tree was blown down onto a power line near 5687 S US 331.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in WALTON, FLORIDA
From 05-SEP-11 12:33:00 to 05-SEP-11 12:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALPINE HEIGHTS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Several trees were blown down around 6120 Bob Sikes Road.  The monetary damage figure provided is a rough estimate.

Heavy Rain in LEON, FLORIDA
From 04-SEP-11 00:00:00 to 04-SEP-11 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTHWOOD
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported 3.46 inches of rain from noon to 8 pm EDT on September 4th and a storm total of 3.79 inches through 8 pm EDT.