Tropical storm Debby continues to threaten the Carolinas with major flooding

A sandbag barricade set up at a store in downtown Charleston, S.C. on Tuesday before curfew.

Movement and possible impact of the storm

Tropical Storm Debby was observed churning off the coast of South Carolina on Wednesday morning and is projected to persist with its northward motion over the Atlantic Ocean before it veers back towards the land later this week. Relief from the torrential rains is due for Georgia and Florida, but southern states, including South Carolina and North Carolina, may experience heavy rainfall over the forthcoming few days as the storm progresses towards the north. There is also a predicted risk of flash flooding spreading north from Baltimore up the I-95 corridor to the Boston metropolitan area.

Expected course and intensity of the storm

In the ensuing days, the storm is predicted to make landfall again, affecting South Carolina through Thursday prior to moving north through the mid-Atlantic and eventually reaching as far as Vermont by Saturday. Tropical Storm Debby is anticipated to parallel or break previous rainfall records in Georgia and South Carolina. Forecasters are expecting rainfall amounts in the region of 10 to 20 inches and in some localities, figures could exceed 25 inches. However, it is too preliminary to accurately pinpoint which parts of the states will receive the heaviest downpours as the storm’s center continues to reposition.

Previous damage and power outages

Previously, Tropical Storm Debby registered sustained wind speeds of 40 miles per hour, producing destruction and power outages in its wake. As temperatures are expected to reach the 90s in northwest Florida today, over 40,000 customers are currently without power, which raises health concerns for residents who might still lack access to air conditioning.

Danger despite downgrade

While Debby was only briefly classified as a hurricane before it was downgraded to a tropical storm, it is important to note the potential dangers it can still pose. Experts mention that people often underestimate the threat of events like Tropical Storm Debby, despite it already causing at least five reported fatalities. Particularly during moments of flash flooding, vehicles are considered dangerous places to be. The advised action protocol in such situations is captured by the acronym SWOC: unbuckle your Seatbelt, roll down your Window, Out immediately, and prioritize helping Children first.