Second U.S. Landfall: Debby made its second landfall near Bulls Bay, South Carolina, early Thursday.
- Widespread Flooding: The storm has caused severe flooding in the Carolinas and Virginia, with some areas receiving over half a foot of rain and potentially up to 15 inches.
- Tornadoes and Death Toll: Debby has spawned multiple tornadoes, including one in North Carolina that killed a man, bringing the total death toll to at least seven.
- Power Outages: Over 150,000 homes and businesses from Florida to Virginia are without power, with North Carolina experiencing the most significant outages.
- Storm Path: The storm is expected to weaken as it moves north, affecting the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast with heavy rain and potential flooding.
- Rescue and Cleanup Efforts: Emergency responders have conducted water rescues, and cleanup crews are working to clear debris and restore power.
- New Storm Development: Forecasters are monitoring a new system in the Atlantic that could potentially develop into a named storm next week.
Tropical Storm Debby Brings Flooding Threat From Carolinas to Northeast
Tropical Storm Debby made its final landfall early Thursday near Bulls Bay, South Carolina, with sustained winds of 50 mph. Though the storm is weakening, its remnants will continue to bring heavy rainfall and flood threats from the Carolinas to New England through early Saturday.
Current Status:
Debby is now moving inland, producing heavy rain from eastern South Carolina to southern Virginia. Flash flood warnings are in effect, and a tornado watch is active for parts of eastern North Carolina and southeast Virginia until 1 p.m. EDT.
Where It’s Headed:
Debby will weaken further as it tracks northward, spreading heavy rain across the mid-Atlantic and interior Northeast. The rain could cause flash flooding, particularly from the Appalachians to upstate New York and Vermont.
Rainfall and Flood Threat:
- Southeast: Heavy rain bands are expected through Thursday night in the Carolinas, Virginia, and West Virginia, potentially worsening existing river flooding.
- Northeast: The heaviest rain is expected Friday into Friday night, particularly from the Appalachians to upstate New York and Vermont, areas already vulnerable due to recent storms.
Rainfall Totals:
- Southeastern North Carolina: Additional 3-6 inches, with storm totals possibly reaching 15 inches.
- Eastern South Carolina: Additional 1-3 inches, with storm totals up to 25 inches.
- Central North Carolina to Virginia: 3-7 inches, with local amounts up to 10 inches.
- Maryland to upstate New York and Vermont: 2-4 inches, with local amounts up to 6 inches.
Safety Tips:
If you live in a flood-prone area, stay alert and follow local warnings. Never attempt to drive through flooded roads, as most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
Recap:
Debby formed on August 2 near Cuba and became a hurricane on August 4, making landfall in Florida on August 5. The storm has already caused significant flooding and damage, with rainfall totals exceeding 19 inches in some areas.
As Debby continues to move north, the main concern remains heavy rain and flooding. Coastal areas and regions with already saturated ground are most at risk. Stay informed and be prepared for potential flooding and isolated tornadoes as the storm’s remnants move through the Northeast.
Tropical Storm Debby Leaves Trail of Destruction Across the Southeast
Tropical Storm Debby continues to wreak havoc after its second U.S. landfall early Thursday, with the death toll now rising to at least six people. The storm spawned a destructive tornado in Lucama, North Carolina, killing one man and damaging homes and a school.
Key Impacts:
- Death Toll and Tornadoes: Debby has caused six deaths so far, including one in North Carolina due to a tornado. The storm has also spawned at least 11 tornadoes across Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
- Flooding: Debby has dumped over a foot of rain across parts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, causing severe flooding. Flash floods have trapped people in cars, homes, and boats, and more rain is expected as the storm moves northward.
- Path and Future Threats: The storm will weaken as it moves into North Carolina by Thursday evening and into the Northeast by Saturday. Heavy rains and flash flooding are expected in these areas.
- Heat Wave: Dangerous heat is expected to follow Debby in the Southeast, with heat indices possibly exceeding 110 degrees.
- Disaster Declarations: President Biden has approved disaster declarations for Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, with FEMA and search and rescue teams on standby.
- Georgia Dam at Risk: A dam in Bulloch County, Georgia, is at risk of failure due to the storm’s heavy rains, posing a significant flooding threat to nearby communities.
As Debby continues to impact the East Coast, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for ongoing risks, including flooding and extreme heat.
Tropical Storm Debby Causes Widespread Flooding and Tornadoes
Tropical Storm Debby made its second U.S. landfall near Bulls Bay, South Carolina, early Thursday, bringing heavy rain, severe flooding, and tornadoes to the Carolinas and Virginia. The storm, which has already claimed at least seven lives, continues to pose a significant threat as it moves northward.
Key Updates:
- Rain and Flooding: Debby has dumped over half a foot of rain in parts of central North Carolina, causing life-threatening flash floods. The storm is expected to bring 4 to 8 inches of rain to the Carolinas and Virginia, with some areas potentially receiving up to 15 inches. South Carolina could see rain totals exceeding 2 feet.
- Tornadoes and Power Outages: The storm has spawned multiple tornadoes, including one in North Carolina that killed a man in Wilson County. Over 150,000 homes and businesses from Florida to Virginia are without power, with the majority of outages in North Carolina.
- Storm Path: Debby is forecast to weaken as it moves north, bringing heavy rain to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. Flood watches are in effect from Maryland to Vermont.
- Rescue and Cleanup Efforts: Emergency responders in Florida have rescued over 120 people trapped by floodwaters. Cleanup crews are working to clear debris and restore power across the affected states.
- New Storm Development: Forecasters are monitoring a developing system in the Atlantic, which could potentially become a named storm next week.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and prepared as Debby continues to bring dangerous conditions.