Matthew first developed into a Tropical Storm about 35 miles southeast of St. Lucia on September 28 before quickly strengthening into a powerful hurricane as it tracked westward across the Caribbean Sea. Matthew then became a hurricane about 190 miles northeast of Curacao on September 29th before reaching Category 5 strength the following day. Matthew then weakened slightly while turning north toward the Greater Antilles, remaining a Category 4 hurricane as it made landfall over Haiti���s Tiburon Peninsula early on October 4th. Matthew then continued north while maintaining a Category 4 strength before making a second landfall near the Guantanamo Province in Cuba later that day. Land interaction helped reduce the strength of Matthew to a Category 3 hurricane, before it re-intensified into a Category 4 hurricane while tracking northwest toward the Bahamas. Matthew then tracked about 25 miles west of Nassau before making  landfall for a 3rd time over Grand Bahama about 15 miles west-northwest of Freeport as a Category 4 hurricane on October 6th. Matthew then continued on a north-northwest track toward Florida before paralleling much of the Southeast coast in a slowly weakening state over the next couple days. Matthew tracked parallel to the northern half of the Southeast Georgia coast as a Category 2 hurricane (110 mph), before continuing to weaken to a Category 1 hurricane (85 mph) while passing much of the lower Southeast South Carolina coast. Minimum surface pressures of 983.1 mb at Savannah International Airport (KSAV), 980.6 mb at Beaufort Airport (KNBC) and 981.7 mb at Charleston International Airport (KCHS) where recorded as Matthew passed just offshore. Matthew then made its 4th and final landfall as a weak Category 1 hurricane (75 mph) near McClellanville, SC at approximately 1045 AM on October 8th. Matthew then re-emerged into the western Atlantic shortly after, briefly maintaining hurricane strength before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone on October 9th as it pulled away from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
Across southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina, the main impacts from Matthew included heavy rain, wind damage in the form of scattered to widespread trees and power lines blown down and storm surge, specifically along coastal locations from Tybee Island, GA north to Edisto Beach, SC. Storm total rainfall amounts generally ranged from 4.5 to 7 inches across western areas of Southeast Georgia and extreme western locations of Southeast South Carolina to 8 to 17 inches closer to the coast, highest in coastal counties of Southeast Georgia and the lower Southeast South Carolina coast. A peak storm total rainfall of 17.49 inches was recorded at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia while a peak storm total rainfall of 16.90 inches was recorded near Edisto Island, SC. Daily record rainfall totals of were also set on October 7th and October 8th at the Savannah International Airport (KSAV), 4.36 inches and 3.84 inches, at the Charleston International Airport (KCHS), 4.7 inches and 5.77 inches and in downtown Charleston (KCXM), 4.36 inches and 3.84 inches respectively. Heavy rains also led to several instances of flash flooding with damage to roads and homes and helped produce long duration flooding along the Edisto River, Ashley River and Santee River. Wind damage produced numerous to widespread power outages and damage to homes and other structures throughout the area, most significantly at locations near the coast where 60 mph to 100 mph wind gusts occurred with rainbands surrounding the passing eye wall. On October 8th, a maximum sustained wind of 75 mph and peak wind gust of 96 mph was recorded at the Tybee Island South sensor (XTYE) in Georgia while a maximum sustained wind of 67 mph was recorded at the Beaufort (XBUF) sensor in South Carolina and peak wind gust of 87 mph was recorded at the Hilton Head Airport (KHXD) sensor in South Carolina. Three deaths and 1 injury occurred from trees falling on homes or cars in Southeast Georgia.  The most extensive damage came with storm surge during Matthew. The entire Southeast Georgia and Southeast South Carolina coast was impacted by storm surge generally ranging between 2 to 5 ft with some locations as high as 6 to 8 ft. A peak surge of 7.69 ft occurred at the Fort Pulaski tide gauge at 248 AM October 8th while a peak surge of 6.20 ft occurred at the Charleston Harbor tide gauge at 5 AM October 8th. Damage from surge was most notable on the northern ends of Tybee Island in Georgia, Fripp Island in South Carolina and Edisto Island in South Carolina. Locations on Fripp Island and Edisto Island saw some of the most significant beach erosion and damage to oceanfront homes in the entire area.

Tropical Storm in INLAND CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 07:00:00 to 08-OCT-16 07:01:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The media reported a large tree on a home near the intersection of Drayton Street and 35th Lane during Hurricane Matthew. Additionally, a lot of tree debris and large limbs were reported down across the area.

Tropical Storm in INLAND CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 09:06:00 to 08-OCT-16 09:07:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported a large tree was uprooted and fell on a house in the Windsor Forest neighborhood during Hurricane Matthew.

Hurricane (Typhoon) in COASTAL CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 07-OCT-16 11:00:00 to 08-OCT-16 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A Hurricane Matthew NWS survey of Tybee Island revealed damage to a roof of a home on 19th street near the southern end of the beach that was consistent with 96 mph wind gusts measured at a nearby sensor the morning of October 8th. Wind damaged siding and the roof of a building closest to the ocean on Center Street. Numerous trees were blown down across interior sections of Tybee Island, including several large trees on homes along U.S. Highway 80. On the southern tip of Wilmington Island, hundreds of large oaks and pines were broken and uprooted. Several trees damaged homes. Local officials indicated that the highest winds appeared to occur on the back side of Hurricane Matthew as it shifted north.

Storm Surge/Tide in COASTAL LIBERTY, GEORGIA
From 07-OCT-16 07:00:00 to 08-OCT-16 04:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter reported damage caused by surge associated with Hurricane Matthew on St. Catherines Island. Surge produced significant beach erosion as described by evidence of sand transported by wash over and through fans in numerous locations. Dunes were breached in multiple locations and were washed out or destroyed in some areas. Evidence of salt water inundation was noted along the St. Catherines Sound Margin. Some creeks were at least partially flooded by transported sand. In some areas erosion was exacerbated by return flow from flooded areas behind the dune line. Sea turtle nesting habitat was reduced by an estimated 11 percent. St. Catherines Island lost at least 3 docks, but there was only minor damage to homes on the mainland property.

Hurricane (Typhoon) in COASTAL CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 07:00:00 to 08-OCT-16 07:01:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The media reported a large tree on a home near the intersection of Drayton Street and 35th Lane. Additionally, a lot of tree debris and large limbs were reported down across the area.

Hurricane (Typhoon) in COASTAL CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 09:06:00 to 08-OCT-16 09:07:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported a large tree was uprooted and fell on a house in the Windsor Forest neighborhood.

Tropical Storm in BULLOCH, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 07:07:00 to 08-OCT-16 07:08:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An emergency manager reported 1 fatality during Hurricane Matthew due to a tree falling on a home near the intersection of Clay Road and Macedonia Road.

Hurricane (Typhoon) in COASTAL CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 07:52:00 to 08-OCT-16 07:53:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Social Media

A report via Twitter indicated numerous trees down the Oakhurst Subdivision.

Tropical Storm in BULLOCH, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 08:00:00 to 08-OCT-16 08:01:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Social Media

A report via social media indicated the area around Interstate 16 and Nevils Grove Land Road had 16 large trees down during Hurricane Matthew. Power outages were also reported around the area.

Tropical Storm in INLAND MCINTOSH, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 08:30:00 to 08-OCT-16 08:31:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported a tree down on a house during Hurricane Matthew.

Tropical Storm in INLAND CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 10:30:00 to 08-OCT-16 10:31:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported around 30 trees down during Hurricane Matthew with many roads blocked or partially blocked near Pooler, Georgia. In addition, 5 traffic signals were either loose or fell to the ground. Railroad crossing gates were also damaged.

Tropical Storm in COASTAL MCINTOSH, GEORGIA
From 07-OCT-16 07:00:00 to 08-OCT-16 04:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

An eye witness report from the DNR Sapelo Island manager indicated that there were thousands of trees that fell during Hurricane Matthew. No trees landed on homes. There was only limited structural damage with just one residence requiring significant repair. An estimated 60 and 80 percent of the island's power lines came down.

Storm Surge/Tide in COASTAL CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 07-OCT-16 01:00:00 to 08-OCT-16 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A Hurricane Matthew NWS survey on Tybee Island revealed a dune line escarpment of 7 to 10 feet high near 19th Street near the southern end of Tybee Beach. The dune line held the storm surge oceanside from Lovell Avenue and points south. Moderate erosion was noted near the Tybee Island Pier and oceanside of Center Street. An escarpment 1-2 feet high was noted in dunes in this area. Based on visual confirmation and interviews with business owners no water entered homes or businesses in this area. Sand was noted approaching and touching a few side streets including Center Street.
A National Hurricane Center survey team found a high water mark of 3 feet in a home several blocks from the shoreline on the northern end of Tybee Island. The observed debris field and high water marks indicate preliminary inundation values of 5 to 6 feet MHHW close to the northern Tybee Island shoreline. In downtown Savannah, water flooded a parking lot and entered the Hyatt Ballroom building 10-18 inches deep. Water reached the doorways of many businesses on River Street but no significant salt water intrusion or damage was reported. A restaurant on the east end of River street was flooded with 3 to 6 inches of water from the Savannah River. An eyewitness reported that the hulls of boats tied up at River Street rose to the level of the railing along the Savannah River.
Farther east, along U.S. Route 80, about 1 foot of water entered a restaurant on the Isle of Armstrong. On Whitemarsh Island, debris on U.S. Route 80 indicated that the road was inundated. At Fort Pulaski, a NWS/NHC survey team measured 5 feet of inundation near the Coast Guard station and around the fort on the northern end of the island. The National Ocean Service tide gauge at Fort Pulaski peaked at 12.56 ft above Mean Lower Low Water at 248 AM on October 8th, which is the highest high tide on record. A peak surge of 7.69 ft was also recorded at the Fort Pulaski tide gauge at 242 AM on October 8th.

Flash Flood in BULLOCH, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 01:00:00 to 08-OCT-16 05:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: JIMPS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The media relayed an image on social media that showed a mobile home and surrounding buildings inundated with water from heavy rains associated with Hurricane Matthew in the 8300 block of Sinkhole Road.

Tropical Storm in INLAND CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 07-OCT-16 12:09:00 to 07-OCT-16 12:10:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An emergency manager relayed a report that the top of some trees were taken down and debris were in the roadway on Quacco Road during Hurricane Matthew.

Hurricane (Typhoon) in COASTAL CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 07-OCT-16 19:15:00 to 07-OCT-16 19:16:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported a large tree down near the intersection of Coffee Bluff and White Bluff Roads. Large branches were reported down on Longberry Lane.

Tropical Storm in BULLOCH, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 06:07:00 to 08-OCT-16 06:08:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An emergency manager reported a tree fell on a vehicle on Burkhalter Road during Hurricane Matthew, resulting in 1 fatality.

Tropical Storm in BULLOCH, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 04:30:00 to 08-OCT-16 04:31:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Social Media

A large tree fell on a house off of Gentiley Street during Hurricane Matthew. The home owner indicated that the home was severely damaged.

Tropical Storm in INLAND CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 06:53:00 to 08-OCT-16 06:54:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

The public reported a large pine tree and power lines down during Hurricane Matthew. Large limbs were also reported down on some homes.

Hurricane (Typhoon) in COASTAL CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 07:00:00 to 08-OCT-16 07:01:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Newspaper

A local newspaper reported one adult male fatality due to a tree falling on his home along Wylly Avenue.

Flash Flood in CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 07-OCT-16 20:00:00 to 08-OCT-16 04:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILLIAMS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The media relayed web reports that showed heavy rain associated with Hurricane Matthew entering multiple homes on Tappan Zee Drive in Pooler, Georgia.

Tropical Storm in INLAND LIBERTY, GEORGIA
From 07-OCT-16 22:00:00 to 07-OCT-16 22:01:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Social Media

A gas station canopy was damaged near the intersection of Elma G Miles Parkway and Palm Drive during Hurricane Matthew.

Tropical Storm in INLAND BRYAN, GEORGIA
From 07-OCT-16 22:13:00 to 07-OCT-16 22:14:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Trees and debris were reported on Interstate 95 at mile marker 60 during Hurricane Matthew.

Tropical Storm in INLAND BRYAN, GEORGIA
From 07-OCT-16 22:15:00 to 07-OCT-16 22:16:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Social Media

Several trees were reported down across the Ellabell area during Hurricane Matthew.

Hurricane (Typhoon) in COASTAL CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 07-OCT-16 21:30:00 to 07-OCT-16 21:31:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The media reported downed trees along Cromwell Road.

Hurricane (Typhoon) in COASTAL CHATHAM, GEORGIA
From 08-OCT-16 06:00:00 to 08-OCT-16 06:01:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Broadcast Media

The media reported that the Savannah-Chatham Metro Police rescued a man after a tree fell on him at the 1400 block of Ash Street. The man was transported to a hospital where he was treated and released.