Hurricane Debby officially made landfall Monday morning near Steinhatchee, Florida, at around 7 a.m. The storm is expected to weaken as it moves across northern Florida and southern Georgia, transitioning into a tropical storm. However, Debby is likely to re-enter the Atlantic, tracking near the Southeast coast through the middle of the week before finally heading north.
Warnings and Watches Issued
- Tropical Storm Warning: Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, and coastal Colleton counties.
- Storm Surge Warning: Beaufort, tidal Berkeley, Charleston, and coastal Colleton counties.
- Flood Watch: Lowcountry until Friday at 8 a.m.
Major Impacts Expected
The primary concerns from Debby include heavy rain and extreme flash flooding. Rainfall totals are forecasted to be around 15 to 20 inches, with isolated areas possibly seeing higher amounts. Authorities advise residents to avoid flooded roads and adhere to barricades.
Downtown Charleston is bracing for significant road closures due to anticipated flooding. Gusty winds and isolated tornadoes are also possible, along with rough ocean conditions and a high risk of rip currents, which could lead to beach erosion.
Slow Movement Post-Landfall
After making landfall, Debby’s movement will be slow due to weak steering currents. This slow progression is expected to persist for several days, heightening the risk of prolonged impacts in the affected regions.
State of Emergency Declared
Charleston Mayor William Cogswell has declared a State of Emergency, warning of “historic levels of rain.” Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to relocate. The city is preparing for 10 to 20 inches of rain, with potential isolated totals of up to 30 inches. This volume significantly exceeds Charleston’s annual rainfall of 50 to 60 inches, posing a severe flood risk.
Mayor William Cogswell issued a State of Emergency for the City of Charleston on Sunday. The declaration has activated the city’s Municipal Emergency Operations Center and mobilized city resources to prepare for Debby’s arrival.https://t.co/Z4k2E57pnL
— ABC News 4 (@ABCNews4) August 5, 2024
Flood Mitigation Efforts
Charleston has activated its flood mitigation plan, lowering lake levels on the peninsula and deploying street sweepers and stormwater trucks to clear drains. Despite these efforts, the city acknowledges that not all areas can be addressed in time.
Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions as Debby continues to affect the region.
