Tropical Storm Debby, currently stationed over the western Atlantic Ocean, is poised to make a second landfall along the South Carolina coastline late Wednesday or early Thursday, weather officials report.
As the storm drifts northward, it continues to pose a threat of significant rainfall and tornadoes, particularly in coastal areas of the Carolinas and extending into southeastern Virginia.
Debby, which unleashed torrential rain and severe flooding across coastal Georgia and South Carolina earlier this week, has already deposited more than a foot of rain in some regions.
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In Charleston and Savannah, floodwaters reached alarming levels, prompting road closures and curfews.
In Savannah, firefighters used boats to evacuate residents and deliver essential supplies.
Michael Jones, a Savannah resident, described his harrowing experience to The Associated Press: “Water gushed into my home, overturning the refrigerator and causing furniture to float. It was hell all night.”
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Charleston Mayor William Cogswell noted that road closures have prevented further damage and eliminated the need for high-water rescues.
“We especially don’t need any yahoos driving through the water and causing damage to properties,” Cogswell said.
Stephen B. Morton/AP
As Debby churns off the coast, the Carolinas brace for more severe weather.
The region, familiar with devastating floods from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Florence in 2018, is preparing for additional rain totals that could rival those historic events.
North Carolina and Virginia have both declared states of emergency, with potential impacts including strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding.
On Wednesday morning, the storm’s center was about 90 miles east of Savannah, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph.
The slow-moving storm, drifting at just 5 mph, is expected to bring heavy rains in bands, resulting in prolonged periods of flooding.
Green Pond, South Carolina, has reported the highest rainfall so far, with over 14 inches.
In Charleston to Savannah, rainfall totals have approached a foot, surpassing monthly averages for August in just one day.
Elsewhere, flash flooding from Debby’s effects reached as far north as New York City, where streets and expressways were inundated.
Meteorologists have issued a flood watch for the city, and emergency officials are warning residents of potential flash flooding, especially in basement apartments.
Debby made its initial landfall as a Category 1 hurricane along Florida’s Gulf Coast on Monday.
The storm has already claimed at least six lives, including five from traffic accidents or fallen trees and one from a sailboat accident in Gulfport, Florida.
In Florida’s Sarasota and Manatee counties, around 700 people were rescued from floodwaters.
As recovery efforts continue, President Joe Biden has approved emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, making federal disaster assistance available.
The storm is forecast to accelerate on Thursday, potentially affecting North Carolina, Virginia, and the Washington D.C. area by the weekend.
