Four states in the US – Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia – have declared a state of emergency in response to Tropical Storm Debby. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis followed suit, issuing a state of emergency for 61 counties. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued warnings of ‘catastrophic flooding’ due to the storm, predicting rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 25 inches.
Debby’s impact is already being felt, with relentless rain inundating coastal Georgia and South Carolina on Tuesday, August 6th. The storm, which made landfall as a hurricane on Florida’s Gulf Coast, has claimed six lives across Florida and Georgia.
In Charleston, Savannah, and other cities, warnings of “catastrophic flooding” have been issued. Charleston Mayor William Cogswell declared a citywide curfew, highlighting the potential for significant storm surges of 1.2 to 1.8 meters, which could hinder floodwater drainage. Charleston County’s emergency services are preparing for unprecedented flooding. “There are not enough pumps in the world” to handle this volume of rain, Cogswell remarked, urging residents to stay off the streets unless absolutely necessary.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has cautioned that Debby could bring substantial rainfall and flooding across the entire Commonwealth, potentially leading to transportation difficulties and power outages.
In Colleton County, South Carolina, concerns over the McGrady Dam have prompted evacuation orders. Local authorities warn that a breach could pose significant risks to nearby communities.
As Debby’s center moved offshore of Georgia on Tuesday night, the storm is expected to linger, bringing further rainfall and the risk of tornadoes. A suspected twister has already caused damage in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, flipping cars and damaging businesses. Savannah and Valdosta, Georgia, have already seen over 20 centimeters of rain, while Charleston and Hilton Head, South Carolina, have experienced between 25 and 30 centimeters.
