Tropical storm Debby made its second U.S. landfall in the early hours of Thursday near Bulls Bay, South Carolina. After battering the south with winds of 80 mph and dumping more than a foot of rain, the storm is expected to unleash more havoc with torrential rains, tornadoes, and flash floods, prompting further evacuation orders. With wind speeds now at 50mph, the storm has moved further inland, according to the National Hurricane Center. The heavy rains have caused rivers to swell, flooded roads, and left people stranded in vehicles, homes, and boats.
First Landfall
On August 5, 2024, Hurricane Debby made its first landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm, initially classified as a Category 1 hurricane, brought with it severe weather conditions, including torrential rains and destructive winds, causing significant damage throughout the region. Power outages affected nearly 300,000 residents at the peak of the storm, primarily due to fallen trees and damaged infrastructure.
Destruction in Florida and Georgia
Tragically, the storm has claimed the lives of at least five individuals across Florida and Georgia. In Florida, casualties included a 38-year-old woman and a 12-year-old boy who perished in a car accident caused by storm conditions and a 13-year-old boy who was killed when a tree fell on his mobile home in Levy County. Additionally, in Georgia, a 19-year-old man lost his life when a tree crashed into his house in Moultrie.
Debby’s Current Path and Preparedness
After making landfall, Tropical Storm Debby will pick up speed, moving into North Carolina by Thursday evening and reaching northern Virginia by Friday morning. By Friday evening, it will accelerate into Pennsylvania and New York and continue through New England by early Saturday afternoon, bringing heavy rains and flash flooding to an already saturated region. While the storm’s speed will slow down as it moves inland, it may not decrease until Friday or Saturday.
NC Governor Warns of Heavy Rains
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has urged residents to prepare for significant rainfall and flooding. “All North Carolinians across our state need to be prepared for a deluge,” Cooper said, warning of potentially 15 inches of rain in North Carolina and up to 25 inches in South Carolina. The Carolinas’ coasts may also experience dangerous rip currents, and storm surges up to 3 feet.
Flooding and Tornado Forecast
The National Weather Service has confirmed at least ten tornadoes whipped up by Hurricane Debby since early Thursday. In Wilson County, one twister struck the town at 3 am, heavily damaging the local Springfield Middle School in Lucama, as well as homes and a church. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Till now, four tornadoes have struck Florida, four in South Carolina and two in North Carolina. According to the Hurricane Center, heavy flooding is expected across eastern South Carolina, parts of Virginia and southeast North Carolina, with 3-9 inches of rain ( 8-23 cm). The rain is expected to last through Friday.
Threats of Dam failures in Bulloch County and Lake Eureka
Debby’s destruction brings with it imminent threats of dam failures, such as one in Bulloch County, Georgia, about 50 miles northwest of Savannah. According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, significant flooding has already occurred in the area. If the dam breaks, downstream communities will face heightened flooding risks and may need to evacuate.
Another dam emergency has emerged from Screven County, Georgia. According to Screven County Emergency Management Agency, the Lake Eureka Road Dam is in danger of failing, with a potential for life-threatening flooding in the area. People have been asked to evacuate, and residents wishing to stay will do so at their own risk. The authorities have also asked people to avoid Savannah Hwy and Eureka Road till further notice.
Flooding Like Never Before in Florida
South Carolina is experiencing its worst flooding in several years. The last storm to make landfall with such ferocity was Tropical Storm Idalia in August 2023. Residents from various parts of the state agree they have never witnessed such levels of flooding since Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Familiar scenes of backyards flooded, some even with alligators, are appearing on social media.
Hopefully, storm Debby will abate by Saturday as predicted. Till then, residents in the south are advised to exercise caution, follow evacuation orders wherever applicable to remain safe.
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