Tropical Storm Debby Brings Havoc to South and North Carolina, Georgia

To the Southeastern coastal cities in the United States, Tropical Storm Debby brings storm surges, countless floodings, and spinning tornadoes as it creeps and probably stalls over South Carolina, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Cities like Savannah, Georgia; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Wilmington, North Carolina, might see rainfalls of more than 12 inches through Thursday. Higher numbers may appear in places like Charleston, South Carolina, where rainfalls up to 30 inches are highly plausible.

Tropical Storm Debby Moving At Snail Pace Up The Eastern Seaboard

According to the most recent update from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Debby has slowed down to a 3 mph pacing speed. This snail pace movement might cause the storm to draw more energy from the heated Atlantic waters, thereby escalating the chances of flooding in both the Southeast and the Northeast.

Impacts Felt Across South Carolina and Georgia

After making landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane, Debby moved northeastwards dumping over 20 inches of rain and causing immense floodings. Power outages were reported from over 300,000 customers in Florida.

A state of emergency had to be declared in Georgia because of the exerted conditions by Debby adding to the pressure of ongoing local and state efforts.

Tornado Causes Widespread Damage in South Carolina

A tornado caused by Debby hit the eastern side of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, most notably on Monday evening, causing havoc. The widespread damage resulted in the destruction of several businesses while damaging numerous others. Reports of fallen trees and power poles causing damage to vehicles are still piling up as cleanup efforts continue.

Massive Rainfall and Flooding Continues

On Tuesday, the enduring rains from Debby caused severe flooding in several areas. In response, the Weather Prediction Center issued a Level 4 flood risk, the highest threat on their scale, effective throughout Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This severe threat covers multiple parts of southeastern Georgia, eastern South Carolina, and southeastern North Carolina. As Debby continues to slowly move, the risk will gradually shift upwards north near the Southeast coast.

Flood Warnings and Watches in Multiple States

On Tuesday, the National Weather Service disseminated Flash Flood Warnings in southeastern Georgia and eastern South Carolina. The advisories caution of the heavy rains that are foreseen to drench the region as the storm continues. Rainfall predictions from Debby in cities like Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Wilmington, North Carolina, are numbered around a foot or even more in some cases through Thursday.

Evacuations and Emergency Preparedness

In anticipation of severe flooding due to Debby, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp have declared states of emergency. Calls for residents to brace for “significant rainfall” have been emphasized. Both governors have mobilized National Guard resources to respond to potential extreme flooding impacts. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper also declared a state of emergency on Monday afternoon.