Tropical Storm Debby Spurs Tornadoes and Unleashes Flash Floods in Southeast US, Causes State of Emergency

Tropical Storm Debby Triggers Tornadoes and Flash Floods in Southeast US

As it sweeps across the southeastern part of the United States, Tropical Storm Debby is spawning tornadoes and bringing forth extensive flooding from South Carolina to Georgia. Cities like Savannah, Georgia; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Wilmington, North Carolina are in the storm’s direct path, with forecasts predicting more than a foot of rain through Thursday. Charleston, South Carolina could possibly endure up to 2.5 feet of rain.

Slow and Potentially Stalling Storm

The storm made landfall along Florida’s Big Bend on Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane and has since slowed to a speed of 3 mph. With such a slow pace, Debby is anticipated to draw more power from the warm Atlantic waters, amplifying the potential for flooding in the Southeast and Northeast. Over 20 inches of rain have already fallen thanks to Debby, which also caused extensive storm surge flooding in Southwest Florida and a power outage affecting more than 300,000 customers.

President Declares Emergency in Georgia

In response to the hazardous conditions wrought by Debby, President Joe Biden has declared an emergency in Georgia, greenlighting federal assistance to amplify state and local response initiatives.

Floods, Tornadoes: Havoc in the Carolinas, Georgia

Costly property damage and robust flooding aren’t the only issues Debby is causing. Tornadoes have also been reported, wreaking havoc in South Carolina. A tornado hit the eastern side of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, destroying several businesses and damaging many others. Trees and power poles were blown down, landing on cars and causing one vehicle to flip over.

No major injuries have been reported, but residents of Moncks Corner, South Carolina and Edisto Beach, South Carolina can see the tornado’s devastating damage. State officials in Georgia have conducted swift water rescues as Debby continues to dump rain on the region.

Prediction: Prolonged Damage

Stalled over the Southeast, Debby’s slow movement is expected to extend the period of rain and flooding within the Southeast. This risk will slowly move north as Debby continues its slow crawl near the coast. Debby’s core is predicted to head out into the Atlantic Ocean this week, potentially strengthening the storm.

Given Debby’s current trajectory, predictions are for cities like Savannah, Georgia; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Wilmington, North Carolina to experience over a foot of rain through the week, potentially leading to life-threatening flooding and swollen rivers. In addition to flooding rain, tropical-storm-force winds and a few tornadoes in the Southeast are also expected this week.

Statements from Governors and Mayors

Both South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued states of emergency in light of Debby’s threats and directed residents to prepare for “significant rainfall.” They have also deployed National Guard resources to react to potential extreme flooding.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency Monday afternoon as well. In response to the unprecedented rain predictions, Charleston Mayor Williams Cogswell urged residents to take the storm seriously, “It’s important for people to take this seriously and to stay home. Be safe. Do not venture out in these floodwaters.”

Author: HERE Spartanburg