Tropical Storm Debby has entered the U.S. Southeast, bringing the risk of prolonged torrential downpours and flooding after causing heavy rain and strong winds in Florida.
The storm claimed the lives of at least five people on Monday and led to flooding in historic Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, among other areas along the Atlantic Coast. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson warned residents to brace for a challenging day on Tuesday.
Debby made landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane on Monday. While categorized based on wind speeds, meteorologists emphasize the storm’s rainfall potential as the most dangerous aspect.
Here are the Latest Updates:
Heavy rains cause overflow at South Carolina dam but it holds
The impacts of Debby were not limited to coastal regions.
Water overflowed from a small dam near Walterboro, South Carolina, but fortunately, the structure remained intact, according to Colleton County Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief David Greene. While an apartment complex in Walterboro experienced flooding and several roads were blocked by water and fallen trees, there were no major damages reported.
There were concerns about the McGrady Dam near Walterboro potentially breaching, which could affect around 50 people, as mentioned by Colleton County fire officials.
In Green Pond, located south of Walterboro, there was a report of 14 inches of rain since Debby’s arrival on Monday.
South Carolina residents on alert for Debby’s impact
Uncertainty looms over the strength of Debby’s impact in South Carolina, but residents are preparing for all possibilities.
David E. Lally, a resident near the coast, stocked up on supplies and expressed concerns about possible flooding along the Waccamaw River and other streams due to forecasted heavy rains.
Crooked Hammock Brewery in North Myrtle Beach shuttered operations as a precautionary measure in anticipation of flash flooding, tornadoes, and storm surge.
Florida braces for potential flooding from upstream
Authorities issued warnings on Tuesday about the anticipated flooding in Florida as a result of excessive rainfall in Georgia and South Carolina from Tropical Storm Debby.
Governor Ron DeSantis cautioned about rising water levels in northern Florida due to the expected influx of water from neighboring states. The National Weather Service highlighted the possibility of major flooding in various river systems, potentially affecting roads and homes.
Parts of southwest Florida are already experiencing flooding, leading to multiple rescues in Sarasota County. Officials anticipate it may take up to two weeks to assess the full extent of the damage in certain areas.
Savannah avoids significant flooding—at least for now
In Savannah, Georgia, the continuous rainfall lessened by late morning as the storm’s center approached the state’s coast.
While significant flooding was reported in some neighborhoods, other areas that were inundated during the previous evening were relatively clear. With many establishments closed, residents took the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities.
Forecasts indicate more rain, including heavy downpours, in the upcoming days as Debby moves slowly offshore. Savannah received 6.68 inches of rainfall on Monday, surpassing the total rainfall for the entire month of August last year.
Latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center
Tropical Storm Debby’s center is currently near Savannah, Georgia, moving east-northeast at approximately 6 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center’s advisory at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
The maximum sustained winds are around 40 mph, with the potential for stronger gusts. Tropical-storm force winds extend over 200 miles from the center.
The storm is expected to move off the Georgia coast later on Tuesday before making a landfall in South Carolina on Thursday.
Charleston extends curfew and advises against unnecessary travel
The downtown area of Charleston, South Carolina, will remain closed on Tuesday as a precautionary measure while Tropical Storm Debby remains nearby, according to Mayor William Cogswell.
Police have restricted access to the peninsula, allowing only essential personnel to enter or exit since Monday evening. The barriers will be in place until at least Wednesday morning.
The focus now shifts to the storm potentially strengthening offshore, leading to power outages and tidal flooding in the region by Wednesday or Thursday.
Georgia governor emphasizes vigilance
During a news conference at Georgia’s emergency management center in Atlanta on Tuesday, Governor Brian Kemp urged residents in the affected areas to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. “Do not underestimate this storm,” he cautioned.
Kemp mentioned the possibility of receiving additional rainfall ranging from 4 to 9 inches, emphasizing the need for preparedness. State Meteorologist Will Lanxton reassured that while significant flooding is a concern, the chances of catastrophic flooding are minimal.
Debby brings flooding and tornadoes to South Carolina
South Carolina braces for continued rainfall and potential flooding through Thursday from Tropical Storm Debby. The storm has already spawned tornadoes and led to flooding in coastal areas of the state.
Reports of damaged homes and businesses emerged from Kiawah Island and Edisto Island, and there were instances of flooding in Moncks Corner. Radar estimates indicated over 10 inches of rainfall between Hilton Head Island and Charleston overnight.
Forecasts suggest rural areas in North and South Carolina, previously impacted by hurricanes Matthew and Florence, could receive significant rainfall, potentially leading to catastrophic flooding.
As of Tuesday morning, more than 155,000 customers were without power in Florida and Georgia, though the numbers were declining.
Biden approves disaster declaration for Georgia
President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Georgia to provide assistance for the effects of Hurricane Debby, as confirmed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday.
The declaration allows FEMA to deploy resources for evacuation and shelter coordination to ensure public safety and property protection.
Charleston’s vulnerable geography poses risks
Charleston’s historic peninsula faces challenges due to its low-lying terrain, surrounded by rivers and susceptible to frequent flooding even without a storm like Debby.
The city’s emergency preparedness plan includes distributing sandbags to residents, utilizing parking garages for flood protection, and an online mapping system to track road closures caused by flooding.
Debby’s potential for re-strengthening
Although Debby has weakened over land, its connection to ocean waters provides energy for potential restrengthening, as noted by Richard Pasch, a senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center.
The storm is expected to move off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina before re-entering inland, with possibilities of strengthening. Tropical storm warnings are in effect along the southeastern U.S. coast, anticipating heavy rainfall and significant flooding in the region.
Charleston prepares with sandbags and parking measures
Debby’s center is currently over southeastern Georgia with sustained winds near 45 mph. The storm is forecasted to strengthen as it moves offshore and then inland over South Carolina.
Charleston’s emergency plan includes sandbags distribution, opening parking garages for flood protection, and real-time mapping of flooded roads.
Hundreds rescued from flooded homes in Sarasota, Florida
Emergency responders in Sarasota, Florida, rescued approximately 500 people from flooded homes in the area as a result of the unexpected heavy rainfall associated with Hurricane Debby.
Adverse weather conditions caused damage and disruptions in several communities, prompting a swift and coordinated rescue effort to ensure the safety of residents.
