According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center (NHC), Tropical Storm Debby made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Region on Monday, August 5, as a Category (Cat) 1 hurricane before downgrading to a tropical storm as it moved northeast towards Georgia and the Carolinas. As of 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Tropical Storm Debby is located off the coast of South Carolina about 65 miles from Charleston, moving slowly eastward at 5 miles per hour (mph).
It is expected to make a second landfall late Wednesday night, August 7, or early Thursday morning, August 8, between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The system has already brought severe winds, torrential rain, and storm surge to communities across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. These conditions are forecasted to persist, according to NHC forecasters, through Thursday, August 8, potentially producing three to nine inches of rainfall with local maximums of up to 25 inches in South Carolina and 15 inches in North Carolina, fueling the ongoing flooding throughout those states. NHC forecasters also predict heavy rainfall will result in considerable flash, urban, and river flooding across portions of the Mid-Atlantic, from Maryland to New York, and Vermont through Saturday, August 10.
Additionally, the NHC reports two tropical storms, Emilia and Fabio, in the Eastern Pacific moving west with no hazards affecting land as of 2:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) on Wednesday, August 7.
Tropical Storm Debby – GeoColor: NOAA
Due to its slow speed, Tropical Storm Debby has drenched portions of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Parrish, Florida, located about 40 miles south of Tampa, recorded 18.866 inches of rain from Saturday, August 3, through Tuesday, August 6. In Georgia, the highest recorded rainfall total was 11.46 inches at the Claxton Evans County Airport located approximately 60 miles east of Savannah. Summerville, South Carolina, located about 25 miles from Charleston, recorded 17.27 inches of rain. Forecasts predict that Tropical Storm Debby will still pose a major flood threat as it moves very slowly back to land.
There is flooding in parts of Appling, Bullock and Burke counties. Please remember to move to high ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
For information on what to do during a flood event, visit https://t.co/wMlOBXLn8x. pic.twitter.com/ImkVkLKdng
— GEMA/HS (@GeorgiaEMAHS) August 6, 2024
X: Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS)
Rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby has caused widespread flooding in impacted areas, with coastal cities in Georgia and South Carolina reporting waist-high floodwaters on Tuesday, August 6. Continued rainfall combined with storm surge, riverine flooding, and overwhelmed drainage systems will likely increase flooding risks, particularly in coastal portions of the Carolinas. More than 160,000 customers lost power in Florida and Georgia on Monday night, August 5, and as of Wednesday morning, August 7, around 38,000 customers are still without power in Florida as emergency crews continue work to restore electricity. At least six fatalities in Florida and Georgia have been recorded so far due to impacts from Tropical Storm Debby. President Biden has already approved emergency declarations for Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. Governor Cooper of North Carolina and Governor Youngkin of Virginia have declared a state of emergency for their respective states in preparation for Tropical Storm Debby’s arrival. Declarations of this type can help states prepare for emergencies by temporarily waiving certain transportation and activating emergency contracts to allow for the quick movement of supplies and emergency aid.
Many areas are experiencing flooding due to Hurricane #Debby. At night, it’s harder to tell how deep flood waters are.
In 6 in. of water, most passenger cars can lose control & stall, & in 2 ft. of water, a vehicle can be swept away. When in doubt, never drive on water-covered… pic.twitter.com/s6d9A9wvzs
— FL Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) August 6, 2024
X: Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidance to individuals preparing for, experiencing, or affected by hurricanes and tropical storms. Tropical Storms bring potential for life-threatening storm surge to many coastal and urban communities. Individuals should heed the warnings of local authorities and prepare for tropical storms and severe weather conditions. FEMA also encourages individuals to take the necessary precautions and prepare for flash flooding. Flash floods can develop with little to no warning, quickly changing the surrounding area. FEMA suggests individuals seek higher ground, avoid walking or driving in flood waters, and heed the warnings of local authorities. Individuals under Tornado Warnings should seek shelter right away.
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Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for a storm and keep you and your family safe.