Tropical Storm Debby Wreaks Havoc on Southeast US with Torrential Rains

Tropical Storm Debby turned north along the South Carolina coast Tuesday evening, unleashing heavy rain. The storm is forecast to continue bringing heavy rain to parts of eastern South Carolina and most of North Carolina, according to the latest update from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

NOAA’s latest briefing indicates that the continuing downpours are expected to cause “significant flooding impacts” in the Carolinas, several mid-Atlantic states, and as far north as Vermont by Saturday morning. The storm is expected to maintain its intensity in the Carolinas, with NOAA issuing potentially dangerous storm surge advisories.

Since Monday, the storm has battered coastal cities in both Georgia and South Carolina, triggering tornadoes and causing waist-deep flooding in some regions. Reports indicate that some areas have already received up to 12 inches of rain, with totals likely to reach up to 25 inches in some locations as the storm subsides.

A photo taken in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, shows the extent of flooding that occurred as Debby made her way from Georgia to the North Atlantic on August 6, 2024.

Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, have implemented emergency measures, including curfews, while police have been inundated with emergency calls. Roads in Charleston have been closed due to significant flooding, an event that occurs several times a year due to rapid sea level rises.

In Savannah, firefighters traversed flooded streets using boats to evacuate residents, providing bottled water to those who chose to stay behind.

Charleston Mayor William Cogswell said the city’s preparedness and infrastructure planning have mitigated potential property damage and reduced the need for extensive water-related repairs. He stressed the dangers of navigating floodwaters, warning against any attempt to drive through them.

Predicted rainfall could reach up to 15 inches in parts of the Carolinas, approaching record levels seen during the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Hurricane Florence in 2018 further challenged those records, leaving a trail of destruction and loss.

States of emergency have been declared in North Carolina and Virginia in anticipation of further impacts, including possible flooding in low-lying areas such as Wilmington and the Outer Banks, as well as potential thunderstorms and strong winds in Virginia.

Richard Pasch of the hurricane center commented on the storm’s behavior, noting that while tropical cyclones typically distribute rainfall more evenly, Debby’s rapid movement could exacerbate the situation.

Further north in New York City, the remnants of Debby caused unexpected flooding of streets and highways, stranding motorists. The National Weather Service issued flood warnings across the city.

Emergency management teams are on high alert for flash floods and are using drones equipped with loudspeakers to warn residents of the impending danger.

Debby initially made landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane, causing significant disruption and casualties, including six deaths, five of which were due to traffic accidents and one to a boating accident.

As Debby continues its path, it is expected to move through central North Carolina, crossing into Virginia, and potentially impact the Washington, D.C. area.