Tropical Storm Debby Exits US; Flooding Risks and Power Outages Still Loom

Tropical Storm Debby, which brought havoc in Florida as a hurricane before it moved up the East Coast causing tornadoes and floods, finally moved out of the U.S. this weekend. However, residual flooding risks and power outages affecting more than 100,000 homes and businesses across four states still threaten the region.

The Aftermath of Storm Debby

The storm, which hit the U.S. as a Category 1 hurricane in Florida and as a tropical storm in South Carolina, led to at least nine deaths, mostly due to vehicle accidents or fallen trees. While the skies now appear clear as Debby moves out, a flood warning stayed in place till Saturday evening in northern New York, where up to 18 centimeters of rain fell. The National Weather Service reports the water levels are receding slowly in these parts, with many roads still flooded.

Communities in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are acutely experiencing the aftermath of Debby, with about 170,000 customers bearing the brunt as they experienced power outages. Power restoration in these areas is predicted to extend into the coming days. In particular, over half of the outage reports emerged from Ohio after storms including tornadoes crashed through the northeastern part of the state.

Widespread Damage Across States

Moving from the Gulf Coast of Florida and re-emerging over the Atlantic Ocean, the post-tropical cyclone did not spare the Northeast United States. South-central New York and north-central Pennsylvania were swamped with rain just a day before the storm moved over to Canada. This prompted evacuations and even helicopter rescues. Though conditions began to settle by Saturday morning, some parts of New England and southern Quebec continued to experience rainfall.

In the largely rural area south of New York’s Finger Lakes, some of the worst flood damage was reported. As waters continued to make multiple roads impassable, officials ordered evacuations in Jasper, Woodhull, and parts of Addison in Steuben County, which shares its southern border with Pennsylvania.

Cleanup Efforts Begin

Signs of recovery are now visible, with emergency workers helping residents pump water from their basements and clear debris. In Tioga County, Pennsylvania, search and rescue operations were underway for one person unaccounted for in the Knoxville area. Several people had to be rescued, some even by helicopter, including firefighters who ended up trapped in their bid to assist others.

In Vermont, although a flood watch was called off by mid-evening, Governor Phil Scott warned of possible damage, especially in areas already drenched and twice hit by flash flooding last month. About 19,000 homes and businesses remained without power Saturday afternoon, with wind gusts of more than 60 mph (97 kph) tearing down massive trees in some areas where the ground was still saturated from previous storms.

Even though Debby is now a post-tropical cyclone, its effects continue to afflict parts of the U.S. Recovery efforts are ongoing, and assistance has been called for from the federal government. As the storm moves on to Canada, the U.S. remains on high alert for potential future threats even as it grapples with the fallout of Tropical Storm Debby.