As of August 8, 2024, Tropical Storm Debby continues to pose significant threats to the Southeastern United States, particularly the Carolinas. Here is a summary of the current status and impact of the storm:
| Location | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | Second landfall expected | Heavy rain, flooding, tornadoes |
| North Carolina | Heavy rain, flooding | State of emergency declared |
| Virginia | Heavy rain, flooding | State of emergency declared |
| Georgia | Flooding, tornadoes | Significant damage and deaths |
| Florida | Initial landfall as Category 1 hurricane | Widespread flooding, power outages |
Current Status
- Location: As of the latest updates, Tropical Storm Debby has made its second landfall in South Carolina. The storm is expected to continue moving northward, bringing heavy rain and potential tornadoes to the Carolinas and parts of Virginia.
- Intensity: Debby has sustained winds of up to 60 mph, with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 175 miles from the center.
- Rainfall: The storm has already dumped significant amounts of rain across the Southeast, with totals reaching up to 19 inches in parts of Florida, over 10 inches in Georgia, and potentially up to 25 inches in South Carolina.
Impact
- Flooding: The storm has caused widespread flooding in Georgia and the Carolinas, with areas like Savannah and Charleston experiencing significant inundation. Flash flood warnings have been issued, and residents have been advised to seek higher ground.
- Tornadoes: Tornadoes have been reported in various areas, including Kiawah Island and Edisto Island in South Carolina.
- Power Outages: In Florida, utility providers have worked to restore power, leaving less than 50,000 homes and businesses without electricity as of Wednesday morning.
- Fatalities: At least five deaths have been attributed to the storm, including fatalities from traffic incidents and fallen trees.
Emergency Declarations
- North Carolina: Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency on Monday, anticipating heavy rains and potential flooding.
- Virginia: Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, citing potential strong winds, heavy rains, and flooding.
- South Carolina: President Biden approved an emergency declaration for South Carolina, following earlier approvals for Florida and Georgia.
Future Projections
- Rainfall: Forecasts indicate that Debby may produce an additional 3 to 9 inches of rainfall, with higher amounts possible in some spots. This could lead to maximum storm total amounts as high as 25 inches in South Carolina and 15 inches in North Carolina.
- Northeast Impact: Later in the week and into the weekend, Debby is expected to gain speed and push through the Northeast, causing considerable flash and urban flooding as well as river flooding.
Stay updated with the latest forecasts and emergency advisories as Tropical Storm Debby continues to affect the Southeast and Northeast regions.
