Idalia first developed into a tropical depression across the western Caribbean Sea near the Yucatan Peninsula on August 26th before slowly gaining strength and becoming a tropical storm on August 27th. The storm then began to take a northward track the next day, passing the western tip of Cuba while gaining strength. On August 29th, Idalia was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane early in the morning, then intensified to a Category 2 hurricane later in the day while tracking across the southeast Gulf of Mexico. Idalia then continued to strengthen as it accelerated northward on August 30th, passing off the Florida Suncoast as a Category 2 hurricane, before rapidly intensifying to a major Category 4 hurricane while approaching the Big Ben region of Florida across the northeast Gulf of Mexico. Idalia then made landfall at 645 AM EST on August 30th about 20 miles south of Perry, Florida as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph and a minimum central pressure of 949 mb.
Idalia continued to track north-northeast after landfall, eventually turning northeast and weakening to a strong tropical storm while traversing southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina late morning through evening hours on August 30th. Minimum surface pressures of 985.4 mb at Hinesville, GA (KLHW), 984.6 mb at Charleston City, SC (CHLS1) and 983.3 mb at the Savannah Entrance Light across nearshore coastal waters were recorded as Idalia tracked across the local area. Idalia then continued tracking northeast away from the region, exiting into the western Atlantic just south of Myrtle Beach, SC during early morning hours on August 31st. Idalia then began an eastward path across the western Atlantic, becoming a post tropical cyclone by late day, before continuing a track toward Bermuda for the next couple days.
Across southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina, the main impacts associated with Idalia included tropical storm force winds, heavy rain, storm surge and tornadoes. Tropical storm force winds gusts up to 40 to 69 mph (highest near coastal areas) aided with heavy rains led to numerous trees and power lines down across southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina. On August 30th, a maximum sustained wind of 44 knots and peak wind gust of 60 knots was recorded at the Tybee Island South sensor (XTYE) in southeast Georgia while a maximum sustained wind of 41 knots was recorded at the Folly South End (XFSE) sensor and a peak wind gust of 58 knots was recorded at the Beaufort (XBUF) sensor in southeast South Carolina. Additionally, a maximum sustained wind of 49 knots and a peak wind gust of 60 knots was recorded at the Savannah Entrance Light (XSEL) across nearshore coastal waters. One indirect injury occurred due to tropical storm winds when a vehicle collided with a fallen tree in Effingham County, GA. No fatalities occurred due to tropical storm winds across the area.
Storm total rainfall amounts generally ranged between 1 to 2 inches across coastal areas of southeast Georgia, 2 to 4 inches along and east of Interstate 95 across southeast South Carolina and 4 to 9 inches across far inland areas of southeast Georgia and areas west of Interstate 95 in southeast South Carolina. A peak storm total rainfall of 9.05 inches was recorded near Smoaks, South Carolina while a peak storm total rainfall of 8.28 inches was recorded near Metter, Georgia. Heavy rains across inland areas led to instances of flash flooding with numerous roads washed out, water entering a few structures and 2 vehicles being swept off roadways. No injuries or fatalities occurred due to heavy rain/flash flooding across the area.
Idalia's passage was coincident with high tide, resulting in storm surge generally between 2 to 3.5 ft along the southeast South Carolina coast. A maximum tide level of 3.47 ft MHHW (9.23 ft MLLW) was observed at the Charleston Harbor (CHTS1) tide gauge at 718 PM EST on August 30th, making it the 5th highest tide on record for that location. Damage/inundation from storm surge crossing roads, entering properties and flooding structures was most notable along the Charleston, Colleton, and Beaufort County coasts, mainly in the McClellanville, Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach, Downtown Charleston, Edisto Island and Saint Helena Island communities/areas. Peak storm surge (3.5 ft) was noted along areas adjacent to the Ashley River and the Charleston Harbor in Charleston County. Further south, a maximum tide level of 1.95 ft MHHW (9.45 ft MLLW) was observed at the Fort Pulaski (FPKG1) tide gauge at 654 PM EST on August 29th, which was consistent with water levels that typically do not produce significant impacts along the southeast Georgia coast. No injuries or fatalities occurred due to storm surge across the area.
A total of 6 tropical related tornadoes occurred across southeast Georgia into southeast South Carolina within rainbands associated with Idalia. One short-lived EF0 tornado occurred in Liberty County across southeast Georgia, mainly producing tree damage. Another EF0 tornado occurred in Charleston County across southeast South Carolina, downing/uprooting trees and producing minor roof damage to homes and vehicles in Mount Pleasant. Two waterspouts also shifted onshore along the northern end of Folly Beach in Charleston County, but were short-lived and caused no discernable damage. Two tornadoes occurred in Berkeley County across southeast South Carolina, one being an EF1 tornado that snapped/uprooted numerous trees along its path in the Francis Marion Forest and the second being a short-lived EF0 tornado that flipped a vehicle over on a highly traveled road in Goose Creek, SC. Two injuries resulted from the flipped vehicle. No fatalities occurred due to tornadoes across the area.

Tropical Storm in DORCHESTER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 14:04:00 to 30-AUG-23 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Law enforcement and other county officials reported 15 trees and 2 power lines down across the county due to tropical storm force wind gusts as Hurricane Idalia transitioned to Tropical Storm Idalia.

Storm Surge/Tide in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 19:00:00 to 30-AUG-23 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

A video received via social media showed storm surge inundation associated with Tropical Storm Idalia taking place in the Copahee View neighborhood. Water depth was estimated to be 1 foot deep.

Storm Surge/Tide in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 19:44:00 to 30-AUG-23 20:44:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

The public relayed a video of storm surge associated with Tropical Storm Idalia flooding a garage along Seacrest Lane on Folly Beach.

Storm Surge/Tide in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 19:29:00 to 30-AUG-23 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The Awendaw Fire Department reported storm surge flooding associated with Tropical Storm Idalia closing many roads throughout McClellanville, SC. The estimated depth of the inundation was 2 to 3 feet above normally dry ground.

Storm Surge/Tide in SOUTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 18:18:00 to 30-AUG-23 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported storm surge associated with Tropical Storm Idalia breaching the dunes in the 500, 2100 and 2200 Blocks of Palmetto Boulevard on Edisto Island, SC. Water was reported flowing under elevated homes and into portions of roadways, including Palmetto Boulevard, Lybrand Street, Docksite Road and Wyndham Street. Water also entered several structures, especially along Docksite Road and other areas adjacent to Big Bay Creek along the inland side of the island. Water was also covering all four lanes of Highway 174 near Jungle Road.

Flash Flood in HAMPTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 17:45:00 to 30-AUG-23 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HAMPTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter provided video of flood waters rushing from a creek and surrounding a house in the 500 Block of Willard Street Extension due to heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Idalia. An emergency manager also reported railroad tracks were beginning to wash out near the B and S Cleaners and unpaved Smith Road completely washed out near the intersection with Hickory Hill Road. Daily rainfall amounts up to 7.33 inches were recorded by the time of flash flooding starting across the area.

Storm Surge/Tide in BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 18:45:00 to 30-AUG-23 20:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

Significant storm surge flooding associated with Tropical Storm Idalia occurred at a seafood company along Sea Island Parkway on Saint Helena Island, SC. Social media video, pictures and comments from the owner of the seafood company indicated that the building was inundated with 2 to 3 feet of water from the Harbor River.

Flash Flood in DORCHESTER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 19:00:00 to 30-AUG-23 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: REEVESVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 35.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Dorchester County Emergency Management provided pictures of a paved road damaged near the intersection of Durhams Corner Road and McAlhany Road and near Durham's Store due to heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Idalia. The roadbed under the eastbound lane near a small creek was severely eroded and compromised. Emergency management also reported unpaved Westfield Road washed out near the intersection with Mulberry Road.

Flash Flood in COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 19:00:00 to 30-AUG-23 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOSELLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Colleton County Emergency Management provided pictures of roadway damage on Cayce Road not far from the intersection with Broxton Bridge Highway due to heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Idalia. The culvert pipe failed and more than half of that portion of the roadway collapsed.

Storm Surge/Tide in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 19:30:00 to 30-AUG-23 20:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Public

The public reported significant dune erosion associated with Tropical Storm Idalia near the 200 Block of Ocean Boulevard on Isle of Palms. One walkway was severely eroded and a swimming pool was partially collapsed.

Flash Flood in DORCHESTER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 31-AUG-23 03:30:00 to 31-AUG-23 04:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: ST GEORGE MUNI ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Dorchester County emergency manager reported 2 vehicles swept off the road by moving floodwaters on Indian Field Circle near Highway 15 due to recent heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Idalia. Both drivers were able to escape their vehicles with no injuries.

Tropical Storm in SOUTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 10:53:00 to 30-AUG-23 20:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An emergency manager reported 3 trees and 2 power lines down across coastal areas of Colleton County due to tropical storm wind gusts as Hurricane Idalia transitioned to Tropical Storm Idalia.

Tropical Storm in COASTAL JASPER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 19:35:00 to 30-AUG-23 19:35:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported a tree down near the intersection of Bellinger Hill Road and Zig Zag Road due to tropical storm force wind gusts between 40 to 55 mph associated with Tropical Storm Idalia.

Tropical Storm in JASPER, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 20:31:00 to 30-AUG-23 21:12:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported a tree down near the intersection of Morgandollar Road and Log Hall Road and another tree down near the intersection of Gillison Branch Road and Firetower Road due to tropical storm force wind gusts between 40 to 50 mph associated with Tropical Storm Idalia.

Tornado in BERKELEY, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 11:22:00 to 30-AUG-23 11:23:00 (EST-5)
Location: GOOSE CREEK
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The National Weather Service in collaborative efforts with emergency management confirmed an EF0 tornado with an estimated maximum wind speed of 75 mph in Berkeley County occurring from 1122 AM EST to 11:23 AM EST. Video evidence helped confirm a very brief and weak tornado developing within an outer rainband of Hurricane Idalia touching down near the intersection of Camelot Drive and South Goose Creek Boulevard, flipping one car on South Goose Creek Boulevard. Police reported two people inside the flipped vehicle were transported to the hospital for minor injuries.

Tornado in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 14:30:00 to 30-AUG-23 14:33:00 (EST-5)
Location: TEN MILE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A National Weather Service Storm Survey Team confirmed an EF0 tornado with an estimated maximum wind speed of 85 mph in Charleston County occurring from 230 PM EST to 233 PM EST. The tornado, which developed within the outer rainbands of Hurricane Idalia, began just south of Highway 17 near the intersection of Happyland Boulevard and Tower Drive in the Whitehall Terrace Community of Mount Pleasant. In this area, the tornado caused minor roof damage to at least one home and uprooted several trees. The tornado then crossed Highway 17, where it was presumed to have periodically touched the ground while crossing over the Wando High School area, causing no discernible damage. As the tornado continued north-northwest into the Carolina Park Community, it generally caused minor damage, snapping some trees and limbs, lifting one porta potty and pushing one car into a tree. The tornado then moved into the northeastern portion of the Park West Community, just south of the Wando River. In this area, there was more concentrated damage, where the tornado snapped and uprooted several trees. The tornado then dissipated as it continued north-northwest toward the marsh and the Wando River.

Tropical Storm in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 05:00:00 to 30-AUG-23 23:29:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Charleston County emergency manager, law enforcement, amateur radio and the public reported 5 trees and 1 power line down across the county due to tropical storm wind gusts between 40 to 62 mph as Hurricane Idalia transitioned to Tropical Storm Idalia. The strongest wind gusts occurred near the coast.

Tropical Storm in NORTHERN COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 13:04:00 to 30-AUG-23 23:25:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager, law enforcement and other county officials reported 107 trees down, 8 power lines down, 2 power poles down and damage to 2 vehicles from fallen trees across inland portions of the county due to tropical storm wind gusts as Hurricane Idalia transitioned to Tropical Storm Idalia.

Strong Wind in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 14:30:00 to 30-AUG-23 14:31:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Reported by: County Official

Landspout. Location: 32.6834, -79.8876. A county official reported two waterspouts associated with Hurricane Idalia moving onshore at Folly Beach between the 1700 Block of East Ashley Avenue and the Morris Island Lighthouse, resulting in no discernable damage.

Tropical Storm in ALLENDALE, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 17:00:00 to 30-AUG-23 20:30:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

An Allendale County emergency manager reported 7 trees down across the eastern portion of the county due to winds associated with Tropical Storm Idalia.

Tropical Storm in BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 17:15:00 to 30-AUG-23 18:27:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Beaufort County emergency manager reported 27 trees down across the county due to tropical storm force wind gusts between 45 to 66 mph associated with Tropical Storm Idalia. Strongest winds were recorded near the coast. A majority of the trees (22) came down across Hilton Head Island, 3 of which fell onto homes.

Tropical Storm in HAMPTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 17:45:00 to 30-AUG-23 21:14:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Hampton County emergency manager, law enforcement and other county officials reported 21 trees and 5 power lines down across the county due to tropical storm wind gusts associated with Tropical Storm Idalia.

Flood in COLLETON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 19:00:00 to 30-AUG-23 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HENDERSONVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain / Tropical System
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A Colleton County emergency manager reported a portion of unpaved See See Road washed out near the Ashepoo River due to heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Idalia.

Storm Surge/Tide in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 19:18:00 to 30-AUG-23 19:18:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

A maximum tide level of 3.47 feet MHHW (9.23 feet MLLW) was measured at the Charleston Harbor tide gage with passing Tropical Storm Idalia. This was the fifth highest tide level on record at this location.

Tornado in BERKELEY, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 15:59:00 to 30-AUG-23 16:04:00 (EST-5)
Location: HUGER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A National Weather Service Storm Survey Team confirmed an EF1 tornado with an estimated maximum wind speed of 95 mph in Berkeley County occurring from 359 PM EST to 404 PM EST. The tornado, associated with the outer rainbands of Hurricane Idalia, began just south of Eccles Church Road over Muddy Creek. As the tornado approached Eccles Church Road, it snapped and uprooted several large hardwood and softwood trees. The tornado then continued north-northwest into a heavily wooded area where it sporadically snapped and uprooted many trees, before continuing a north-northwest track over another wooded, marshy region, producing minor damage to some trees. The tornado then ended near Irishtown Road. In addition to the ground survey, high resolution satellite imagery was used to fine tune the track of the tornado over remote locations.

Storm Surge/Tide in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 17:18:00 to 30-AUG-23 21:18:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A National Weather Service Storm Survey Team evaluating water marks for Tropical Storm Idalia determined peak inundation of 2 to 3.5 feet above normally dry ground occurring across downtown Charleston, SC. This determination was based on both measured high water marks and interviews with police. Extensive saltwater flooding occurred along the periphery of the peninsula, but extended into the interior by several city blocks. Highest levels of storm surge occurred along areas adjacent to the Ashley River and the Charleston Harbor.

Storm Surge/Tide in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 17:18:00 to 30-AUG-23 21:18:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A National Weather Service Storm Survey Team evaluating water marks for Tropical Storm Idalia determined peak inundation of 2 to 3 feet above normally dry ground occurring along Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, SC. This determination was based on both measured high water marks and interviews with local business owners. Many businesses along Shem Creek were flooded and salt water inundation of 1 to 2 feet above normally dry ground was measured along Haddrell Street.

Storm Surge/Tide in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 17:18:00 to 30-AUG-23 21:18:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A National Weather Service Storm Survey Team evaluating water marks for Tropical Storm Idalia determined peak inundation of 2 to 2.5 feet above normally dry ground occurring on Isle of Palms. This determination was based on both measured high water marks and interviews with first responders. The most significant inundation occurred along 41st Avenue and Forest Trail where widespread inundation was observed. Several structures were flooded, including a fire station that had 2 feet of water in its bottom floor.

Storm Surge/Tide in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 19:31:00 to 30-AUG-23 22:44:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Mount Pleasant police reported Long Point Road closed from Highway 17 to Needlerush Parkway due to storm surge flooding associated with Tropical Storm Idalia. The flooding occurred from storm surge along Horlbeck Creek.

Storm Surge/Tide in CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
From 30-AUG-23 20:22:00 to 30-AUG-23 21:22:00 (EST-5)
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast media reported that access to Folly Beach was cut off during Tropical Storm Idalia due to storm surge flooding and debris on Folly Road. Video also showed water covering Center Street and several adjacent roads, making them impassable due to flooding.