Tropical Storm Debby continued to hover over coastal Georgia and the Carolinas on Wednesday, bringing heavy rainfall before moving northward.
The storm has already caused tornadoes and flooded streets with waist-high water levels, causing significant damage to the affected areas. Forecasters predict that Tropical Storm Debby will move slowly across Southern states, potentially causing large amounts of rainfall in certain regions.
Recent forecasts suggest that Debby may gain strength over the Atlantic Ocean before shifting inland again by late Wednesday or early Thursday. The storm made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a hurricane on Monday, resulting in at least six fatalities.
Here are the latest updates:
Living with frequent floods along the coast
Residents like Gene Taylor, living along French Quarter Creek near the Cooper River in Huger, have been dealing with recurring floods. Taylor’s home has been flooded four times in the past nine years, prompting him to take precautions and move belongings to higher ground.
Further down the creek, Charles Granger is cleaning up after his home was flooded with 8 inches of water—a common occurrence for residents in the area.
As Tropical Storm Debby’s rainfall drains out to the sea, water levels continue to rise, with the Canoochee River in Claxton, Georgia nearing record levels.
South Carolina prepares for Act 2
While South Carolina has not reported any deaths or injuries from Tropical Storm Debby, Governor Henry McMaster warned that the state is entering Act 2 of the storm. Heavy rainfall is expected to return overnight and into Thursday, potentially causing significant flooding in the northern part of the coast and inland areas.
Meteorologists predict an additional 4 to 8 inches of rainfall, which could lead to prolonged rainfall and flooding in some areas.
The final act may come in the following week if upstream rain in North Carolina causes major flooding along rivers flowing towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Imminent threat of dam failure in Georgia
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for southeast Georgia, highlighting the imminent failure of the Cypress Lake Dam in Bulloch County. The dam poses a significant threat to a nearby mobile home park and surrounding areas if it breaches.
Local authorities and emergency agencies are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to take necessary precautions.
Weather impacts and aftermath
Tropical Storm Debby’s influence has extended beyond the coastal regions, impacting weather patterns across the eastern United States. Moisture from the storm has interacted with a weather front stretching from the Great Lakes to Long Island, resulting in significant rainfall and thunderstorms in various areas.
As a result, several states have declared emergency declarations to respond to the storm’s impact. This includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. The U.S. government has also approved federal disaster assistance for affected states.
Assessing storm damage and recovery
Heavy rainfall totals have been recorded in various areas, with some locations experiencing record-breaking amounts of precipitation. States like Florida and South Carolina have reported significant rainfall, causing flooding and disruptions to daily life.
Emergency response teams and the National Guard have been deployed to assist with recovery efforts and ensure the safety of residents in affected regions. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and providing necessary resources to support impacted communities.
Preparing for ongoing challenges
As Tropical Storm Debby continues to move northward, residents in North Carolina are bracing for potentially severe flash floods and days of heavy rainfall. State officials are urging residents to be prepared for significant rainfall and potential flooding, especially in areas prone to flash floods.
The state’s emergency management teams are on high alert, with water rescue teams stationed in strategic locations to respond to any emergencies that may arise.
Next steps and forecast
The National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory indicates that Tropical Storm Debby is slowly moving northeastward over the Atlantic Ocean. The storm is expected to turn towards the north-northwest before reaching the South Carolina coast, potentially strengthening before making landfall.
Forecasters are closely monitoring Debby’s movement and its potential impact on coastal regions as it continues to move along the Atlantic coast and merge with a frontal boundary in the coming days.
Continued aviation disruptions
Aviation disruptions have intensified as thunderstorms associated with Tropical Storm Debby hit the New York City area. Major airports, including LaGuardia, JFK International, and Newark Liberty, have experienced cancellations and delays due to the storms.
The impact of canceled flights and disrupted travel schedules is expected to continue as the storm moves northward and affects other areas along the East Coast.
Latest updates and storm-related incidents
Recent reports confirm a sixth storm-related death, with a missing boater in Gulfport, Florida, being found deceased. The man’s sailboat was partially sunk, and his body was recovered, marking another tragic incident linked to Tropical Storm Debby.
Authorities and emergency response teams are actively monitoring the situation and providing assistance to affected areas to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
