Tropical Storm Debby Triggers Tornadoes and Flooding from South Carolina to Georgia

Coastal Cities Bracing for More Rainfall Through Thursday

The southeastern states, particularly the coastal areas of South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina, are bracing themselves for extensive rainfall, tornadoes, and flooding, as tropical storm Debby gradually makes its way through the region. Cities like Savannah in Georgia, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, and Wilmington in North Carolina are forecast to experience over a foot of rainfall through Thursday. Extreme conditions are predicted for areas like Charleston in South Carolina, where it’s not unthinkable to anticipate up to 2.5 feet of rainfall.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Debby, moving at a crawling speed of 3 mph, is expected to accrue more energy from the warm Atlantic waters. This situation can potentially intensify the risk of flooding in the Southeast and Northeast regions.

Flash Flooding and Tornadoes Wreak Havoc

The South Carolina Low Country and Isle of Palms are already sailing through flash flooding, with expectations of Tropical Storm Debby lingering on the coast for several days and adding another 10 inches of rain in certain areas. A flash flood watch is in effect until Friday morning.

The storm, which came ashore in Florida’s Big Bend on Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane, dropped over 20 inches of rain, resulted in storm surge flooding across Southwest Florida, and cut power supply to over 300,000 customers at the storm’s peak. President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in Georgia and ensured federal assistance to supplement local and state response efforts.

Tornadoes in South Carolina

A tornado tore through the eastern region of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, on Monday evening, leaving behind a specter of destruction. It demolished multiple businesses and inflicted significant damage on many others. The tornado also knocked down several trees and power poles, flipping over at least one vehicle, but thankfully no major injuries have been reported.

Residents on Edge as Debby Moves Closer

Edisto Beach, South Carolina, bore visible signs of tornado damage on Tuesday as Debby neared. Despite the reported property damage and downed power poles, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed no injuries.

Georgia Engaged in Swift Water Rescues

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has reported swift water rescues after a vehicle entered a flooded area in Jeff Davis County. Multiple flash flood warnings have been issued in both southeastern Georgia and eastern South Carolina, where the heavy rain will persist throughout the day.

Where is Debby Heading Next?

Debby is expected to move into the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, potentially garnering strength again. However, it is forecast to remain a tropical storm. As mentioned earlier, cities like Savannah, Georgia; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Wilmington, North Carolina are preparing to face more than a foot of rain through Thursday. Charleston, South Carolina, could endure up to 2.5 feet of rain which could prompt life-threatening flooding and cause rivers to surge beyond the flood stage.

States Declare Emergency and Urge Preparedness

The Governors of South Carolina, Henry McMaster, and Georgia, Brian Kemp, have declared states emergency, urging residents to brace for “significant rainfall.” Both governors have mobilized National Guard resources for dealing potential extreme flooding impacts. North Carolina’s Governor, Roy Cooper, also declared a state of emergency on Monday afternoon.

Most authorities are predicting that Debby will move off the Southeast U.S. coast by late Tuesday, only to be pushed back inland over South Carolina on Thursday. The cities likely to be affected are Savannah, which may see up to 18 inches of rain; Charleston, which could experience 2 feet of rain and 4 feet of storm surges; and Myrtle Beach, expected to face gusts up to 60 mph by Thursday and up to 18 inches of rain.

All officials urge residents to take the situation seriously, stay indoors, and avoid venturing out in floodwaters.