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November 9-12, 2009
Tropical Storm Ida Event

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The November 9-12, 2009 remnants of Tropical Storm Ida event in Georgia involved the weakening remnants of Tropical Storm Ida (formerly a Category 1 hurricane in the Gulf before landfall near Dauphin Island, AL, early on November 10 as a tropical storm with ~45 mph winds). The system moved northeastward across the Southeast, spreading heavy rainfall into north and central Georgia starting Monday afternoon, November 9, with the bulk of impacts on November 10 (Tuesday) and lingering light rain into November 11-12.

The effects of what was once Hurricane Ida, but had weakened into a Tropical Depression, were felt as early as Monday afternoon, November 9, across portions of west central Georgia. The rain continued to spread north and east intensifying Monday night and continuing into the day on Tuesday, November 10. Lingering light rain continued on Wednesday as the system moved off to the northeast.

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Key Highlights

• Rainfall and Flooding (Primary Impact):
  • Widespread moderate to heavy rain across north and central Georgia, with totals of 3-5 inches common in northern areas (higher localized amounts).
  • Peak reported: 7.32 inches in Lithonia (DeKalb County, near Atlanta metro).
  • Other notable daily records set on November 10: Atlanta 4.05", Athens 3.07", Columbus 5.44", Macon 2.53" (all new daily November records).
  • Caused localized flash flooding, ponding on roads, minor stream rises, and some urban/poor drainage issues in metro Atlanta and surrounding counties.
  • No widespread catastrophic or river flooding in Georgia (unlike farther north where remnants redeveloped into "Nor'Ida," a powerful nor'easter causing major coastal flooding from the Carolinas to the Mid-Atlantic).
  • Rainfall helped alleviate drought conditions in parts of the Southeast.
• Tornado Activity:
  • No confirmed significant tornadoes or outbreak in Georgia from Ida's remnants (focus was on heavy rain rather than severe thunderstorms; any spin-ups were brief/unconfirmed or absent in NWS Atlanta surveys).
• Wind and Other Impacts:
  • Gusty winds from thunderstorms (scattered reports of downed trees/power lines), but no widespread tropical storm-force sustained winds in most of Georgia (weaker inland).
  • Minor structural/tree damage possible in spots.
  • No major power outages or widespread devastation reported.
• Context:
  • Ida was a late-season tropical cyclone (formed November 4 in the Caribbean, landfalls in Nicaragua then U.S. Gulf Coast).
  • In Georgia, effects were mostly beneficial "rainmaker" from remnant moisture, contrasting with severe inland flooding farther north/east as the system transitioned to extratropical and spawned Nor'Ida.
  • Part of a quiet 2009 Atlantic season overall; this helped contribute to above-average November rainfall in north/central Georgia.

In north Georgia, the main concern would have been heavy rain, possible ponding, and minor flash flood risks—typical for remnant tropical moisture in late fall without much severe weather punch!

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