Severe Weather Impacts Southeast U.S. with Hail, Tornadoes, and Flash Flooding
A series of severe weather events impacted the southeastern United States on August 12, 2009, including hailstorms, tornadoes, and flash flooding. Afternoon thunderstorms brought large hail to Freeport and Tallahassee, with sizes ranging from penny to quarter-sized hail. A brief EF-0 tornado touched down in Auburndale, Florida, causing damage to trees, fences, and minor roof damage. Lightning strikes caused significant property damage, including a fire in Tallahassee and a destroyed home in Bellville, Georgia. Heavy rainfall led to flash flooding in Havelock, North Carolina, where 6 to 10 inches of rain fell in just a few hours, causing widespread road closures and minor flooding in homes and businesses. The severe weather was driven by a combination of sea breeze interactions, tropical moisture, and upper-level disturbances. 
