Despite no longer being classified as a tropical storm, Debby continues to impact the East Coast with heavy rain and flooding, causing rivers to overflow their banks and prompting authorities to call on the National Guard for assistance with high water rescues.
The storm has moved north from the Carolinas towards the Northeast, affecting New York and Pennsylvania with dangerous flooding. Forecasters anticipate heavy downpours, flash flooding, and potential tornadoes in some areas along the East Coast. Interstate 95 near major cities could also be affected.
Debby initially made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on the Gulf Coast of Florida before hitting South Carolina as a tropical storm. The storm has resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals, primarily due to vehicle accidents or fallen trees.
Here are the latest updates:
• Pennsylvania governor issues disaster declaration for 21 counties
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has declared a disaster proclamation for 21 counties in the state to swiftly provide funds and resources to areas heavily impacted by Debby’s remnants.
More counties may be added to the declaration later, according to the governor’s office.
• Heavy rain hits Vermont, increasing flood risk
Heavy rains have started to hit northern Vermont, leading to a flood watch in effect until Saturday morning. Strong winds are expected, with a tornado watch issued for certain central and southern Vermont areas. Thousands of customers are currently without power in the region.
• New York governor declares state of emergency
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a statewide state of emergency and deployed water rescue teams due to the flooding caused by Debby’s remnants in multiple parts of the state. Residents are advised to stay off the roads and remain vigilant.
• Power outage in Cleveland impacts thousands of customers
Thousands of utility customers in the Greater Cleveland area may experience power outages until late next week following heavy storms that caused major flooding and related issues. Earlier tornadoes in the Cleveland area also contributed to the outages.
• Hundreds evacuated from upstate New York hamlet
Around 600 individuals were evacuated from the hamlet of Woodhull in upstate New York due to severe flooding. The rain-swollen creek in the area caused water to overtop the bridge on Main St., leading to damaged businesses and property.
• Severe flooding in north-central Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has sent a National Guard helicopter with aquatic rescue capability to Tioga County as flooding conditions worsen. Multiple boat-based rescues are being conducted, with officials working to assess the full impact of the flooding.
• Water rescues in upstate New York
Water rescues have been performed in rural Steuben County in upstate New York, with flash flooding causing road closures and emergency responders handling numerous calls. Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel in the affected areas.
• Debby continues to dump heavy rain along Eastern Seaboard
Debby, now categorized as a tropical depression, has brought significant rainfall to New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Several areas have reported high rain totals, with some locations experiencing up to 18.86 inches of rain. Forecasters warn of continued flooding risks along the Eastern Seaboard.
• Parts of Annapolis under water
Parts of downtown Annapolis, Maryland, including areas around the U.S. Naval Academy campus, have been submerged under water due to heavy rainfall. Flash flood and tornado warnings have been issued across the state as officials work to mitigate the impact of the flooding.
• North Carolina neighborhood asked to evacuate due to river flooding threat
Residents of a North Carolina neighborhood have been advised to evacuate due to the threat of river flooding as the Haw River is expected to crest over moderate flood stage. Emergency response teams are on standby to assist with potential evacuations as the situation develops.
• High-water rescues performed in single South Carolina county
Emergency crews in a South Carolina county have conducted 33 high-water rescues following intense rainfall from Debby. Despite no reported fatalities, the flooding has isolated certain areas and prompted road closures, including sections of Interstate 26.
• Woman dies after tree falls on her home
A tragic incident occurred in North Carolina where a 78-year-old woman lost her life after a tree fell on her home. This unfortunate event adds to the death toll caused by Debby, highlighting the destructive impact of the storm on communities.
• Flash flooding hits South Carolina town
The town of Moncks Corner in South Carolina experienced flash flooding from the remnants of Debby, prompting swift water rescue teams to respond to flooded areas. An emergency shelter has been opened to accommodate residents affected by the flooding, as the town continues to grapple with storm-related damages.
• Meteorologist warns of potential for more dangerous flooding and tornadoes in ‘Debby’s final chapter’
The slow-moving nature of Debby has resulted in significant rainfall and widespread flooding across North Carolina. Parts of the state continue to face the risk of catastrophic flooding as runoff water from rivers may cause lingering issues. Additionally, mountainous areas are at high risk of flash flooding, with other regions along the East Coast also facing potential tornado threats.
• Georgians warned of potential for additional flooding
Residents of Southeast Georgia have been advised to prepare for additional flooding as rivers overflow due to heavy rainfall. Effingham County and Chatham County have issued evacuation orders in certain areas, urging residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
• Debby downgraded to tropical depression
The National Hurricane Center has downgraded Debby to a tropical depression, with maximum sustained wind speeds falling just below the threshold for a tropical storm. Debby initially made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane before weakening to its current status over North Carolina.
• South Carolina escapes Debby without major damage
Despite the extensive rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby in South Carolina, the state has reported no deaths or major damage from the storm. Officials are monitoring upstream flooding risks and preparing for potential river flooding in the coming days as the impact of Debby continues to unfold.
• North Carolina mobilizes more National Guard troops
North Carolina has increased the number of National Guard troops activated and deployed additional rescue vehicles to respond to the continued rainfall and destruction caused by Tropical Storm Debby. Despite one reported death in the state, North Carolina aims to minimize the impact of the storm compared to previous severe flooding episodes.