Locations affected: United States
What:
Tropical storm Debby has led to widespread flooding in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The storm strengthened into a Category 01 hurricane with maximum sustained speeds of 75 miles per hour (mph) on 05 August before weakening into a tropical storm after landfall in Florida by 06 August. Six casualties have been reported in Florida due to accidents related to Debby so far.
Why:
Hurricane Debby is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, following Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl, and Tropical Storm Chris, which formed in June. The Atlantic hurricane season typically occurs from 01 June to 30 November.
So What:
- Coastal areas from northern Florida to the Carolinas have witnessed inundations due to heavy rainfall. Curfew and evacuation orders were issued for Suwannee County, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; and Savannah, Georgia due to risks arising from the adverse weather conditions.
- Damage to structures and power lines was reported in Edisto Beach, South Carolina, and across Berrien and Thomas counties, Georgia.
- A state of emergency was declared in Georgia, Virginia, and South Carolina. Severe thunderstorms, flooding, storm surge, and gusty winds are expected through at least 09/10 August as Debby slows down along the Atlantic coast.
- Parts of Charleston in South Carolina have received up to 14 inches of rainfall, while Savannah in Georgia has received more than eight inches.
- The National Weather Service in Charleston confirmed two tornadoes due to the storm on 05 and 06 August.
- More than 45,000 homes and businesses remain without power in Florida as of 07 August. Significant power outages were also reported in the Northeast, with more than 370,000 customers without power in Ohio.
- The storm is expected to make its second landfall in South Carolina on 07 or 08 August. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for parts of South Carolina and southeast North Carolina up to Surf City.
Outlook:
The storm is forecast to enter the Northeast as a tropical depression. Debby’s centre is expected to slowly move away from the coast of Georgia and South Carolina on 07 August, drift offshore, and then move inland over South Carolina on 08 August. Heavy rainfall is expected to persist across eastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina until 08 August, with some areas predicted to receive up to 25 inches of rainfall. The remaining parts of South Carolina, southwestern Virginia, portions of the Mid-Atlantic, New York, and northern New England could receive three to six inches of rainfall with isolated totals approaching eight inches through 10 August. The severe weather can lead to damage to property and infrastructure. Damage to utility lines can result in disruptions in power supply and communications. Travel disruptions can be expected due to inundation and gusty winds. Organizations are advised to remain abreast of the situation and follow the advisories issued by the authorities. Alerts and updates regarding the storm can be found on the official website of the National Weather Service (https://www.weather.gov/).
