Debby Triggers Tornadoes, Severe Flooding from South Carolina to Georgia

Tropical Storm Debby Rears its Ugly Head

CHARLESTON, S.C. – A palpable threat hangs over coastal Georgia and the Carolinas, as Tropical Storm Debby slows down, possibly stalling over the Southeast. The storm could dump more than 2 feet of rain leading to catastrophic flooding in its wake. Currently, flash flooding still overshadows the South Carolina Low Country and on the Isle of Palms. The National Hurricane Center warns that Debby has slowed down to 3 mph, and as it moves tantalizingly slowly, it’s expected to draw more energy from the warm Atlantic waters, escalating the flooding potential for the Southeast and Northeast.

Massive Rainfall Throws Life Out of Gear

In the wake of Debby, cities including Savannah, Georgia; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Wilmington, North Carolina, are forecast to see more than a foot of rain through Thursday, with the likelihood of even higher totals in places like Charleston, South Carolina, where up to 2.5 feet of rain is anticipated.

Post-landfall scenario

After making landfall along Florida’s Big Bend on Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane, at the height of the storm Debby has already dumped more than 20 inches of rain, precipitated storm surge flooding into Southwest Florida and cut off power to more than 300,000 customers. The President has subsequently declared an emergency in Georgia and ordered federal assistance to support state and local response efforts.

Tornadoes Wreak Havoc

Adding to the woes, a tornado hit the eastern side of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, on Monday evening. Based on information from the emergency manager for Berkeley County, several businesses have been obliterated and many others damaged. Several trees and power poles were knocked down, some of which landed on cars. No casualties have been reported as of now. However, as Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton pointed out, several places like the local Walmart have sustained roof damage while the Arby’s has encountered the most damage.

Flash Flood Warnings Issued

As Debby continues to dump rain on places like Parris Island, South Carolina, the National Weather Service has issued several Flash Flood Warnings in southeastern Georgia and eastern South Carolina. With heavy rain expected to persist, Flood Watches are posted from Florida through North Carolina, including Raleigh, through Friday.

Where will Debby strike next?

While Debby’s core will likely head out into the Atlantic Ocean tomorrow possibly regathering its strength, cities including Savannah, Georgia; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Wilmington, North Carolina, are forecast to witness more than a foot of rain through Thursday. Higher totals are probable in regions like Charleston, South Carolina, where up to 2.5 feet of rain is expected. This could trigger life-threatening flooding and inundate rivers beyond the flood stage. Along with the deluge, tropical-storm-force winds and a few tornadoes are also expected across the Southeast this week.

States Declare Emergency

In response to the looming threat, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp have preemptively declared states of emergency advising all citizens to prepare for “significant rainfall”. Both have deployed National Guard resources to respond to potentially extreme flooding impacts. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper took similar action declaring a state of emergency on Monday afternoon.

Indiscriminate Flooding Expected

Most computer models predict Debby moving off the Southeast U.S. coast by late Tuesday before being pushed back inland over South Carolina on Thursday. Given the uncertain trajectory and ominous potential of Debby, citizens are advised to take the situation seriously and avoid stepping out, especially into the floodwaters.