Weakened Storm Brings Southeast Welcome Relief

WAYCROSS, Ga. (AP) — Tropical Storm Barry and its remnants gave a much-needed soaking to thousands of acres of burning swamp and timberland in northern Florida and southeastern Georgia.

The remains of the storm rode up the East Coast on Sunday with gusty winds and rain falling as far north as upstate New York.

By Sunday afternoon, Mount Vernon, Ga., received 8 inches of rain from the storm, West Palm Beach, Fla., had 7 inches and Hardeeville, S.C., saw more than 6 inches, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Fla. Most areas across the Southeast received smaller amounts.

Two large fires have charred more than 600,000 acres of swamp and timberland south of Waycross, Ga., and inside the Okefenokee Swamp in Florida.

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the part of the Osceola National Forest north of Interstate 10 remained closed Sunday.

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