Tropical Storm Debby Begins its Torrential Assault on Southeastern US
HORSESHOE BEACH, Fla. – Tropical storm Debby has moved threateningly into some of southeastern US’s most historically significant cities, carrying with it the promise of extended downpours and widespread flooding throughout Tuesday. This comes after its initial hit in Florida, which led to the rescue of hundreds from their inundated homes.
Record Rainfall Triggers Flash Flooding
The record-breaking rainfall from this storm, which has already claimed five lives, is causing flash flooding. Up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) are anticipated in certain areas, according to forecasts from the National Hurricane Center. Debby’s center was positioned over southeastern Georgia early on Tuesday, with sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph) and moving northeast at 7 mph (11 kph). It is expected to drift offshore Georgia’s coast later on Tuesday.
Preparatory Measures and Warnings in Advance of Debby
In addition to the unwavering rainfall, flash flood warnings were issued in Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, among other regions of coastal Georgia and South Carolina. Both Savannah and Charleston declared curfews from Monday night into Tuesday, urging residents to expect torrential rains and floods.
Charleston County’s Interim Emergency Director, Ben Webster, labelled Debby a “historic and potential unprecedented event” and emphasized the emergency plans that include sandbags for residents, opening parking garages to allow residents to park their cars above potential flood levels, and introducing an online mapping system that shows which routes are obstructed due to flooding.
Destruction Reports and Rescue Operations
A tornado touched down in Edisto Beach, South Carolina, on Monday night, causing damage to trees, houses and power lines, but no immediate injuries were reported. Despite the downpour, some residents remain steadfast, undeterred by the storm.
Closer to the coast, in Sarasota, a beach city popular with tourists, approximately 500 people had to be rescued from flooding homes due to the torrential downpour and subsequent flooding. According to local officials in neighbouring Manatee County, a further 186 people were rescued from floodwaters. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has warned that the state could continue to face threats as waterways north of the border fill up and flow south.
Debby’s Death Toll and Federal Aids
Up to five people tragically lost their lives due to the storm, including a tractor-trailer driver who lost control of his vehicle on I-75 in Tampa, which fell and dangled over the edge before the cab dropped into the waters below. In Dixie County, a woman and a boy died in a car crash on wet roads, while in South Georgia, a man was killed when a large tree fell onto a porch at his home.
State of Emergency and Impact on Travel
More than 140,000 customers remained without power in Florida and Georgia on Tuesday morning, with an additional 12,000 dealing with power outages in South Carolina. Multiple flights were canceled nationwide on Monday and into early Tuesday, greatly affecting routes to and from Florida airports. In response to the disaster, President Joe Biden approved the request for an emergency declaration from South Carolina’s governor, with similar approvals given to Florida.
Looking Ahead as Debby Continues Along the Coast
As it navigates along the coast, Debby is anticipated to bring periods of heavy rainfall and catastrophic flooding across the coastal plain of South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina through Wednesday. As we continue to brave Debby, authorities are working to keep residents safe and informed, while first responders and emergency crews remain ready for further rescue and recovery operations.
