Tropical Storm Debby Brings Torrential Rains and Flood Warnings to Southeastern US

Debby Impacting Historic Southern Cities

Tropical Storm Debby has brought torrential downpours and flooding to the southeastern United States this Tuesday. The storm is expected to remain over the Atlantic Ocean for the next couple of days before making its way back onto the mainland, potentially leading to record-setting rainfall. Predicted to move slowly across some of America’s historic southern cities such as Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina, the National Hurricane Center has forecast up to 25 inches (64 cm) of rain in some areas.

Record Rainfall and Flooding

“Hunker down. Expect that it will be a rough day,” advised the Mayor of Savannah, Georgia, in a social media livestream last night, as citizens prepared for the storm’s onslaught. The storm’s center was reported 15 miles (24 km) south of Savannah early Tuesday. This storm’s slow movement is causing increased rainfall accumulation, a dangerous situation according to Richard Pasch of the hurricane center. “When they move very slowly, that’s the worst situation.”

Described as a ‘slow-mover’, Debby is weakening over land but continues to draw energy from the Atlantic Ocean, creating the potential for her to restrengthen before moving inland again over South Carolina. More than 6 inches (15 cm) of rain fell at Savannah’s airport on Monday, nearly a month’s worth of rain in just one day.

Flash Flood Warnings

With the onslaught of rain, flash flood warnings have been issued for areas of coastal Georgia and South Carolina, including Savannah and Charleston. Both cities have implemented overnight curfews, urging residents to stay off the roads. Tornadoes, spawned by the storm, have brought down trees and damaged homes in Kiawah and Edisto Islands, between Savannah and Charleston. Charleston has taken cautionary measures, barricading all eight roads leading into the city, allowing only essential workers and emergency personnel to pass. The city has also provided parking garages for residents to keep their cars safe from potential floodwaters.

Fatalities and Power Outages

Regrettably, the storm has claimed at least five lives, mainly resulting from traffic accidents and falling trees. Power supply has been affected as well, with more than 155,000 customers remaining without power in Florida and Georgia on Tuesday morning. An additional 20,000 are reportedly without electricity in South Carolina.

Rescue Operations and Disaster Assistance

In Florida, about 500 people were rescued from flooded homes in the tourist-popular Sarasota, while just north, officials in Manatee County report 186 rescue incidents. Given the continued rainfall and flood threats, Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, warned Tuesday that the threat is far from over, “… it may be that it’s not flooded today and it could be flooded tomorrow.” Georgia Governor, Brian Kemp, echoed a similar cautionary message on Tuesday, warning of more rain and potential flooding in the coming days.

Recognizing the unfolding catastrophe, President Joe Biden has approved emergency declarations, making federal disaster assistance available to the states of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper, declared a state of emergency on Monday.

The Week Ahead

Forecasters expect Debby to make another landfall near Charleston on Thursday, with the system potentially moving up the middle of North Carolina, through Virginia, and reaching the Washington, D.C., area by Saturday. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and heed to local authorities’ instructions and warnings.