Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (2024)

Table of Contents
What we covered here Tropical Storm Debby nears the coast of South Carolina Four tornadoes confirmed in Charleston area from Tropical Storm Debby Triple-digit heat indices in the Southeast could slow the recovery process for those impacted by Debby Tropical Storm Debby crawls towards landfall in South Carolina Flooding in Georgia county could get even worse if dam breaks Over 700 FEMA staff members deployed in the Southeast to assist with Tropical Storm Debby's efforts Here's when Debby could make landfall again WATCH: 4 days of Debby in 40 seconds More than a foot of rain has fallen in 3 states As Debby’s second landfall nears, North Carolinagovernoradvises “to be prepared for a deluge” Debby strengthens while churning just off the coast President Biden approves disaster declaration for North Carolina Ocean Isle Beach issues voluntary evacuation order as Tropical Storm Debby threatens storm surge Debby's river flooding could last into next week and delay recovery Heat alerts issued in parts of Florida still recovering from Debby Charleston curfew lifted as Debbylingersoffshore Why some hard-hit areas are getting a breather from Debby's worst rain Here's what to expect from Debby today Mount Pleasant drainage systems are full as flooding from Debby persists, officials say Flash flood warnings expire for the Northeast Tropical Storm Debby strengthens as major flood threat continues in the Carolinas More than a foot of rain has fallen in Florida and South Carolina Here's how major cities will feel Debby's impacts Tropical Storm Debby continues its slow march off the Georgia-South Carolina coastlines Debby is fueling a flood threat in the Northeast as it lingers near South Carolina. Here's the latest Flash flood warnings in place in Philadelphia and New Jersey Tornado threat continues for over 1 million people along Carolina coast Curfew remains until Wednesday morningafter Charleston gets 1 foot of water Virginia governor declares state of emergencyin advance of Tropical StormDebby A post-hurricane heat wave is the nightmare scenario How to get help, stay safe and maintain your sanity after a hurricane There's an 85% chance of above-normal Atlantic hurricane activity until August 19 FAQs

By Elizabeth Wolfe, Dalia Faheid and Antoinette Radford, CNN

Updated 12:13 AM EDT, Thu August 8, 2024

Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (1)

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East coast bracing for second wave of historic rains brought by Tropical Storm Debby

01:32 - Source: CNN

What we covered here

  • Tracking Debby: Tropical Storm Debby is back over the Atlantic, whereit is regaining strengthand lashing the coast of the Southeast US. The storm isexpected to make a second landfallon Thursday on the South Carolina coast. See Debby’s projected path.
  • Historic rainfall: For the next couple of days, the storm is forecast to dump prolific amounts of rain and bring life-threatening flooding along its path. Debby has already turned roads into rivers and swamped homes in parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
  • Deadly storm: Far-reaching Debby has killed at least four people in Florida and one in Georgia.
  • The role of climate change: Global warming caused by fossil fuel pollution is causing storms to get wetter and strengthen more quickly. Debby tracked through near-record warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, which helped it rapidly intensify before making landfall as a hurricane in Florida.
  • If you are in an area of low connectivity, get the latest CNN updateshere.

33 Posts

Our coverage of Tropical Storm Debby has moved here.

Tropical Storm Debby nears the coast of South Carolina

From CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (2)

This satellite image, taken at 11:01 pm ET, shows Tropical Storm Debby as it moves along the East Coast of the United States.

Tropical Storm Debby is nearing the South Carolina coastline with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph ahead of its expected landfall early Thursday morning.

Located about 25 miles east-northeast of Charleston, the storm is crawling north-northwest at 3 mph andis expected to weaken after making landfall.

Rainfall continues to be the main threat for areas impacted by Debby. A high risk for excessive rainfall, or a level 4 of 4, remains for the Carolinas through early Thursday, where rainfall totals across parts of South Carolina could reach as high as 25 inches.

The high threat shifts to parts of North Carolina and Virginia on Thursday, which will be the fourth consecutive day of a high rainfall risk from Debby. Rainfall totals across North Carolina could reach as high as 15 inches. Parts of Virginia could see 3 to 8 inches with isolated amounts up to 10 inches.

The threat drops slightly to a moderate risk for excessive rainfall, or a level 3 of 4, on Friday and spreads from eastern portions of West Virginia to much of Vermont.

The center of the storm is forecast to move into North Carolina by Thursday evening and into northern Virginia by Friday morning. It will continue to pick up speed and is forecast to move through Pennsylvania by Friday evening and through New England by Saturday morning.

Four tornadoes confirmed in Charleston area from Tropical Storm Debby

From CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (3)

Damaged trucks are seen at a car dealer in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, on August 7, after a tornado hit the area.

Four tornadoes have been confirmed on the South Carolina coast as Debby continues to impact the region, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston.

Here is the preliminary information for each of the tornadoes that hit on Monday and Tuesday:

Edisto Beach:

  • Rating: EF1
  • Max Wind: 97 mph
  • Duration: 9:35 pm - 9:45 pm on August 5

Moncks Corner:

  • Rating: EF1
  • Max Wind: 95 mph
  • Duration: 2:53 am - 3:00 amon August 6

Kiawah Island:

  • Rating: EF0
  • Max wind: 85 mph
  • Duration: 10:55 pm - 10:59 pmon August 5

Ladys Island:

  • Rating: EF0
  • Max Wind: 85 mph
  • Duration: 12:53 am - 12:56 am on August 6

In Florida, there are preliminary reports of eight tornadoes from Debby. A tornado watch also remains active for eastern North Carolina until Thursday morning.

Triple-digit heat indices in the Southeast could slow the recovery process for those impacted by Debby

From CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford

For parts of the Southeast no longer feeling direct impacts from Debby’s rain bands, potentially dangerous heat is the next concern.

While high temperatures in the upper 80s and lower 90s are expected, the heat indices, or feels-like temperatures, could exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

The triple-digit heat indices are expected to persist across the region into the weekend, which could further slow the recovery process in Debby’s wake.

Here are the Thursday temperature forecasts for areas hit by Debby:

  • Jacksonville, Florida: 97 (Heat index 107)
  • Valdosta, Georgia: 96 (Heat index 111)
  • St. Simons Island, Georgia: 94 (Heat index 109)
  • Steinhatchee, Florida: 93 (Heat index 113)
  • Sarasota, Florida: 90 (Heat index 109)
  • Hilton Head, South Carolina: 89 (Heat index 103)
  • Savannah, Georgia: 89 (Heat index 102)

Tropical Storm Debby crawls towards landfall in South Carolina

From CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (4)

A woman walks through winds from Tropical Storm Debby, at a beach in Garden City Beach, South Carolina on August 7.

Tropical Storm Debby is crawling toward a landfall in South Carolina on Wednesday night or Thursday morning with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.

Hovering about 40 miles east-southeast of Charleston and about 75 miles south-southwest of Myrtle Beach, the storm is inching north at 3 mph. Tropical storm-force winds extend out from Debby’s center, primarily east of it.

After landfall, the storm will begin to pick up speed. It’s forecast to move through South Carolina by Thursday afternoon and through North Carolina by early Friday morning.

The Carolinas continue to see the heaviest rainfall, with a high risk of excessive rainfall – or a level 4 of 4 – remaining in place across parts of the states Wednesday overnight. Rainfall totals approaching 25 inches are possible across parts of South Carolina.

The high risk of excessive rain will shift north on Thursday, spreading from southern North Carolina to southwestern Virginia, with the highest rainfall expected between Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, up toward Roanoke, Virginia.

Rainfall storm totals approaching 15 inches are possible for North Carolina and up to 10 inches are possible for Virginia.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for north of the Savannah River to Surf City, North Carolina. A tropical storm watch is also in effect north of Surf City to Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina.

Flooding in Georgia county could get even worse if dam breaks

From CNN Meteorologist Mary Gilbert and CNN's Kara Mihm

A dam about 50 miles northwest of Savannah, Georgia, is in danger of “imminent failure” as a result of Debby’s torrential rainfall, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston, South Carolina.

A small portion of Georgia’s Bulloch County is under a flash flood warning through Thursday afternoon due to the risk of “life-threatening flash flooding” if the Cypress Lake Dam fails, according to the NWS.

The area directly below the dam is at the greatest risk for this severe flooding.

Other portions of the county have already experienced serious flooding from Debby. The storm has dropped 8 to 12 inches of rain over the county since Sunday.

Crews carried out swift water rescues in at least one mobile home park in the county Wednesday, according to Georgia’s emergency management agency.

Floodwaters raged on Tuesday afternoon as well, sending waves of water through forested areas.

Footage of flood waters in Bulloch County. pic.twitter.com/zJorA6zuNK

— GEMA/HS (@GeorgiaEMAHS) August 6, 2024

Over 700 FEMA staff members deployed in the Southeast to assist with Tropical Storm Debby's efforts

From CNN’s Jillian Sykes

Over 700 FEMA staff and federal partners have been deployed across the Southeast to assist with challenges brought on by Tropical Storm Debby, the agency shared in anews release.

“This slow-moving storm may bring life-threatening hazards including historic rainfall, leading to catastrophic flooding across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina through Friday,” the release says.

FEMA staff deployed in those states will “provide federal assistance to save lives, protect property and public health and safety.”

Search and rescue teams and swift water rescue assets are also on standby to assist as needed.

Here's when Debby could make landfall again

From CNN Meteorologist Mary Gilbert

Tropical Storm Debby is still slowly meandering off the coast of South Carolina but the storm is forecast to push north and make landfall tonight.

Debby’s center is less than 50 miles from the South Carolina coast and will likely come ashore between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The storm is most likely to make landfall tonight, but it could end up being quite late at night if it keeps its current exceptionally slow pace.

Idalia was the last named storm to track across South Carolina. It was a tropical storm as it moved over the state in late August of 2023. The last storm to make landfall in South Carolina was Hurricane Ian. Ian was a Category 1 hurricane for its South Carolina landfall, which was the system’s third and final.

WATCH: 4 days of Debby in 40 seconds

From CNN Meteorologist Mary Gilbert

Debby has been on a nearly four day-long journey since it first became a tropical storm Saturday evening thanks to its plodding forward speed.

For a time Tuesday evening, Debby was moving at just 3 mph, a typical walking speed for many people.

In the video below, which starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday when Debby became a tropical storm, watch such major milestones as:

  • Strengthening into a Category 1 hurricane (timestamp: 13 seconds)
  • Making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region (timestamp: 17 seconds)
  • Returning to tropical-storm-strength (timestamp: 19 seconds)
  • Moving out over the Atlantic Ocean (timestamp: 31 seconds)
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (5)

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9acd3130-724e-4b1f-8f91-92c9ae29ebc9.mp4

00:40 - Source: cnn

Satellite imagery courtesy of NOAA/CIRA.

More than a foot of rain has fallen in 3 states

From CNN Meteorologist Gene Norman
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (6)

A person looks at a flooded street in Cedar Key, Florida, on August 5.

Rainfall totals from Debby total over a foot across three states, according to observation sites from the National Weather Service. Here are some of the highest totals for the period from 8 am Saturday, August 3 through 10 am Wednesday, August 7:

Florida

Lake City: 19.67”

Parrish: 18.86”

Sarasota: 17.78”

South Carolina

Summerville: 17.27”

Green Pond: 16.63”

Edisto Beach: 14.31”

Georgia

Rincon: 13.44”

Bellville: 13.04”

Newington: 12.28”

Here is the latest 4-day rainfall reports (totals since Saturday morning) associated with #Debby across the Southeast. For additional observations, please refer to our latest Storm Summary (https://t.co/jrRqqo3AqT) pic.twitter.com/7R0JgNn53Z

— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) August 7, 2024

See a complete listing of rainfall at other locations here.

Heavy rain continues to impact the Southeast coast as Debby slowly moves north in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Charleston.

Flood warnings are in effect for portions of eastern Georgia, eastern South Carolina and eastern North Carolina. A flood watch remains in effect for portions of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

As Debby’s second landfall nears, North Carolinagovernoradvises “to be prepared for a deluge”

From CNN’s Andy Rose
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (7)

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speaks about Tropical Storm Debby during a press conference on August 7.

As Tropical Storm Debby picks up strength and returns inland, the governor of North Carolina is warning residents to be prepared for major rainfall and flooding.

“All North Carolinians across our state need to be prepared for a deluge,” Gov. Roy Cooper said Wednesday. “More rain than most of us see in a month, or even several months.”

Emergency Management director William Ray said the state has already prepositioned 17 swift water rescue teams as a precaution. Cooper said the best thing people can do for their safety is to avoid walking or driving in flooded areas.

“Now is not the time to see if your car floats, because it doesn’t,” said Cooper.

Debby strengthens while churning just off the coast

From CNN Meteorologist Mary Gilbert
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (8)

Storm clouds are seen over Isle of Palms, South Carolina, on August 6.

Warm water just off the Atlantic Coast is allowing Tropical Storm Debby to strengthen. Debby now has sustained winds of 60 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. That’s an increase of 15 mph from earlier this morning.

The storm is moving quite slowly to the northeast at just 5 mph. It’ll make a slow turn to the north later today and make landfall on the South Carolina coast between Charleston and Myrtle Beach tonight or early Thursday morning.

Some additional strengthening is possible before Debby makes landfall, but the storm’s center is still struggling with some dry air which could limit its potential.

Debby is still a rather robust tropical storm and will generate dangerous storm surge for the coasts of the Carolinasup to 3 feet above normal high tidethrough landfall. Additional rainfall will drench the Southeast through at least Thursday.

President Biden approves disaster declaration for North Carolina

From CNN's Sam Fossum
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (9)

President Joe Biden speaks at the White House on August 1, in Washington, DC.

President Joe Biden approved an emergency disaster declaration for North Carolina as Tropical Storm Debby lashes parts of the state.

The declaration unlocks federal funding assistance to supplement state and local response efforts to Debby.

It authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to “coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population,” according to a news release from the White House.

Biden already approved declarations for Florida, Georgia and South Carolina due to the storm.

Ocean Isle Beach issues voluntary evacuation order as Tropical Storm Debby threatens storm surge

From CNN’s Andy Rose

Ocean Isle Beach, a seaside townon a barrier islandin North Carolina, asked residents and visitors to leave Wednesday due to the threat of storm surge from Tropical Storm Debby.

Ocean Isle Beach in an area in coastal Brunswick County that is under astormsurgewatch, with the potential for a surge of up to four feet.

Debby's river flooding could last into next week and delay recovery

From CNN Meteorologist Mary Gilbert

Debby’s deluge has pushed waterways in the Southeast to their limits. Several dozen river gauges from Florida through the Carolinas have reached or are expected to exceed moderate or major flood levels.

Major river flooding, the highest possible level, is ongoing for at least seven locations across the Southeast Wednesday morning and could swell to at least 16 locations in the coming days.

Rivers in major flood stage are capable of flooding structures and forcing evacuations and can even reach record high levels.

River flooding is different from flash flooding that is sometimes able to drain away quickly. It could take days and sometimes weeks for excess water in rivers to work its way downstream and empty into a larger body of water like the ocean.

And when waterways are this swollen, floodwaters covering other surfaces can’t easily drain away and remain stuck in place.

Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (10)

Many waterways are swollen due to Debby's rainfall. Multiple rivers are in major flood stage (purple circles) or are forecast to reach major flood stage (purple squares). Reds indicate moderate flood stage and oranges are minor flood stage.

Any additional rainfall over the Southeast this week will also delay the recession of rivers and worsen any ongoing flooding.

Heat alerts issued in parts of Florida still recovering from Debby

From CNN Meteorologist Gene Norman

Parts of northern Florida are under heat alerts today as the region is still recovering from Debby, which made landfall in the state’s Big Bend Monday as a Category 1 hurricane.

High temperatures in northern Florida, including Panama City and Tallahassee, are expected to climb between 95 and 100 degrees, with heat indices between 105 and 110 degrees.

These temperatures are 5 to 10 degrees above average.

As the temperatures climb, more than 35,000 customers in Florida were still without power Wednesday morning, according toPowerOutage.us.

Charleston curfew lifted as Debbylingersoffshore

From CNN’s Andy Rose
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (11)

People walk on a flooded street in Charleston, South Carolina, on August 6.

AsTropical StormDebby churns in the Atlantic before making a turn back toward the U.S. coastline, the city of Charleston, South Carolina, is lifting its curfew.

“After assessing overnight conditions, officials have determined that it is safe to return to normal activities,” the city announced in anews releaseWednesday morning.

Onlyone roadin Charleston remained closed as of 7:30am Wednesday. The curfewbegan Monday night.

The Charleston police and fire departments said they did not need to perform any rescues during the storm.

Why some hard-hit areas are getting a breather from Debby's worst rain

From CNN Meteorologist Mary Gilbert

Areas hit hard by Debby’s torrential rainfall over the last few days are getting a breather thanks to an assist from dry air.

Tropical cyclones like Debby rotate in a counterclockwise direction and pull in surrounding air from all directions to feed their circulation. Moist air helps cyclones sustain themselves by fueling thunderstorms and dry air limits storm development.

Debby has been ingesting some drier air from the west and south and it has worked its way into the center. Dry air and stormy weather don’t mix, so Debby has a significant area near its center largely free of storms.

Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (12)

This satellite image shows water vapor values in a layer of the atmosphere above the surface Wednesday morning. Areas of blue and grey indicate spots where air has plenty of moisture. Red and orange areas show where air is dry.

Here's what to expect from Debby today

From CNN Meteorologist Mary Gilbert

The center of Tropical Storm Debby is located over the Atlantic, about 65 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm has strengthened some since moving over water Tuesday afternoon and its sustained winds are now 45 mph, up 5 mph from last night.

Some slight strengthening is likely as Debby meanders just off the coast. The storm is still producing drenching rainfall, but its heaviest rain bands are located well away from its center.

Coastal North Carolina is bearing the brunt of the storm’s rainfall this morning, but that could change this afternoon. Heavy storms could develop closer to Debby’s center and lay down more rain over already-waterlogged portions of South Carolina, raising the flood risk.

A level 4 of 4 high risk of flooding rainfall is in place for far northeastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina.

Debby will start to move north later today and make landfall between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, overnight. Storm surge flooding up to 4 feet is possible along the coast of the Carolinas through landfall. Debby will also generate dangerous seas and rip currents along the East Coast.

Mount Pleasant drainage systems are full as flooding from Debby persists, officials say

From CNN's Melissa Alonso
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (13)

A street is flooded by Tropical Storm Debby on August 6, in Charleston, South Carolina.

Officials in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina,informed residents on Tuesdaythat flooding fueled by Tropical Storm Debby has persisted “because drainage systems are generally full.”

“There is nowhere for the water to drain” because “many ponds and the surrounding wetlands are at capacity,” the officials said.

“There is no immediate fix for this issue,” the town said. “Further investigation will be conducted once water levels lower, and we can get a better look at the system,” the message read.

Mount Pleasant is a town in Charleston County, South Carolina.

Flash flood warnings expire for the Northeast

From CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (14)

A man sells umbrellas as people walk through the rain in Manhattan, as a severe storm moves through the area in the early evening on August 6.

Flash flood warnings that were in effect across parts of the Northeast Tuesday have expired.

Tropical Storm Debby has supported a cold front moving through the region, fueling heavy rainfall to some areas, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

A flash flood warning has been replaced with a flood warning in Philadelphia, where the National Weather Service said 2 to 4 inches of rainfall fell. Isolated areas saw over 5 inches of rain.

Flash flood warnings expired late Tuesday for Newark and areas north of downtown New York City. Newark saw 2 to 4.5 inches of rain and New York City saw 1.5 to 4.5 inches.

Debby will continue to impact the Southeast Wednesday and Thursday, but will eventually move through the Mid-Atlantic by the end of the week.

The storm could impact the Northeast for part of the weekend, bringing another round of potentially heavy rainfall. The Weather Prediction Center says there’s a moderate chance of excessive rainfall, or a level 3 of 4,for interior portions of the Northeast on Friday. A slight risk, or a level 2 of 4, exists on Saturday.

Tropical Storm Debby strengthens as major flood threat continues in the Carolinas

From CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (15)

A vehicle is stuck on a flooded street in Charleston, South Carolina, due to Tropical Storm Debby, on August 06.

Tropical Storm Debby has tapped into the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, which helped strengthen its winds slightly to 45 mph,the National Hurricane Center said in a 2 a.m. ET Wednesday advisory.

The center of the storm is about 70 miles south of Charleston and about 75 miles east-southeast of Savannah, moving east-southeast at 5 mph.

Heavy rainfall is expected to persist across the Carolinas on Wednesday and Thursday. High risks of excessive rainfall, or a level 4 of 4, remain in place for parts of the states.

More than a foot of rain has fallen in Florida and South Carolina

From CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (16)

A house is surrounded by water in Savannah, Georgia on August 6.

Debby has turned roads into rivers and homes into swamps in parts of the Southeast.

Debby has already dumped more than 1.5 feet of rain in Florida, more than 1 foot in South Carolina and nearly 1 foot in Georgia.

Here are the rainfall totals recorded by the Weather Prediction Center from Saturday to Tuesday:

Florida:

  • Parrish: 18.86 inches
  • Lakewood Ranch: 18.16 inches
  • Sarasota: 17.78 inches
  • Ellenton: 14.60 inches

South Carolina:

  • Summerville: 17.27 inches
  • Green Pond: 14.10 inches
  • Beaufort: 13.50 inches
  • Charleston: 11 inches

Georgia:

  • Claxton Evans County Airport: 11.46 inches
  • Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport: 9.97 inches
  • Savannah: 7.87 inches
  • Brunswick: 7.75 inches

North Carolina:

  • Cary: 5.68 inches
  • Pittsboro: 5.56 inches
  • Whispering Pines: 5.18 inches

Here's how major cities will feel Debby's impacts

From CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (17)

Houses sit in floodwater, due to Tropical Storm Debby, in Charleston, South Carolina, on August 6.

As Tropical Storm Debby lashes much of the Southeast, parts of the Mid-Atlantic are bracing for a soggy end to the week.

Here’s how several cities are expected to be impacted:

Charleston, South Carolina

  • Alerts:Tropical storm warning and flood watch
  • Winds: 25-35 mph with gusts to 45 mph, peaking through Thursday at 4 p.m.
  • Storm surge:Up to 2 feet above normal within low-lying areas
  • Rainfall:Additional 3-6 inches of rainfall with locally higher amounts, peaking through 10 p.m. Wednesday
  • Additional information:Charleston’s rainfall storm total so far is 11 inches, almost double its average August rainfall of 6.97 inches.

Wilmington, North Carolina

  • Alerts:Flood watch until Friday morning
  • Rainfall:An additional 4-9 inches of rainfall, peaking from Wednesday at 2 p.m. until Thursday at 3 a.m.

Raleigh, North Carolina

  • Alerts:Flood watch until Friday evening
  • Rainfall:An additional 4-8 inches of rainfall, peaking Thursday from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Richmond, Virginia

  • Alerts:Flood watch from Wednesday eveningto Friday evening
  • Rainfall:An additional 3-6 inches of rainfall, peaking from Thursday at 4 p.m. until Friday at 7 p.m.

Because the storm is currently forecast to move into the Northeast as a tropical depression over the weekend, other areas could also see flooding from Debby.

Tropical Storm Debby continues its slow march off the Georgia-South Carolina coastlines

From CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (18)

A man walks Tuesday through a flooded entrance to the beach in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, as Tropical Storm Debby moves off Georgia to the North Atlantic.

Tropical Storm Debby still was packing 40 mph winds as its center hovered over the Atlantic Ocean about 50 miles east-southeast of Savannah, Georgia, and about 70 miles south-southwest of Charleston, South Carolina, the National Hurricane Center said in an 11 p.m. ET Tuesday advisory.

The storm was inching eastward at about 5 mph.

“A slow motion toward the east and then north is expected through Thursday night. On the forecast track, the center of Debby is expected to slowly move away from the coast of Georgia and South Carolina tonight, continue to drift offshore through early Thursday, and then move inland over South Carolina on Thursday,” the hurricane center said.

Some strengthening is expected for Debby on Wednesday, but the storm is not expected to become a hurricane again.

Heavy rainfall, gusty winds and a few tornadoes remain possible across the Southeast for Wednesday.

Debby is expected to produce potentially historic rainfall storm totals across eastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina through Friday. Rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches are possible, with isolated totals potentially reaching 25 inches in some areas.

Southeastern Georgia could see another 1 to 3 inches of rain.

The remainder of South Carolina, southwestern Virginia, portions of the mid-Atlantic and New York, and eventually northern New England could see 3-6 inches with isolated totals approaching 8 inches through Saturday.

Here are the current watches and warnings in place:

  • A storm surge watch is in effect north of the South Santee River in South Carolina to Cape Fear, North Carolina.
  • A tropical storm warning is in effect north of the mouth of the Savannah River to Surf City, North Carolina.
  • A tropical storm watch is in effect north of Surf City, North Carolina, to Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina.

Debby is fueling a flood threat in the Northeast as it lingers near South Carolina. Here's the latest

From CNN staff
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (19)

Yards of beachfront houses are flooded as Tropical Storm Debby moves into the Atlantic, in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, on August 6.

Tropical Storm Debby is wreaking havoc up and down the East Coast as it delivers torrential rains and dangerous flooding to South Carolina — even while helping drive another significant flood threat in the Northeast.

The slow-moving storm, which is currently hovering off the Georgia-South Carolina coast, will continue creating headaches for the rest of the week as it crawls northward.

Further north, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of transportation difficulties and power outages as Debby approaches.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Debby eyes second landfall: The storm is expected to loiter in the Atlantic until it makes a second landfall on Thursday somewhere between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In the meantime, it will keep pounding the state with heavy rain, devastating flooding and some tornadoes. A tornado watch along the coastline of the Carolinas has been extended until 1 a.m. Wednesday. No deaths or injuries have been reported thus far.
  • Northeast braces for flooding: Tropical moisture from Debby is set to surge northward, feeding several rounds of drenching storms over the Northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday. This has raised the risk of flooding for parts of Pennsylvania, New York, southern New England, Maryland, Delaware and all of New Jersey. Flash flood warnings are in effect across parts of the area, including Philadelphia and New Jersey.
  • Curfews and water rescues: As Debby transforms roads to rivers and swamps homes in parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, local officials are taking measures to keep residents safe. Charleston’s mayor extended the city’s curfew until at least Wednesday morning. Water rescues have been reported in all three states, including trapped drivers and struggling boaters.
  • Storm deaths: At least five storm-related deaths have been reported. That includes four people whodied in Florida: one from a downed tree, one on a slick road and two after a single-vehicle wreck. A teenager also died in Georgia due to a fallen tree.
  • Power outages: More than 45,000 homes and businesses remain without power in Florida after Debby made landfall there as a hurricane Monday, according to PowerOutage.us. Storms in the Northeast are also causing significant power outages in the Northeast, including more than 370,000 in the dark in Ohio.
  • Later this week: Debby will likely strengthen as it hovers over the warm Atlantic waters, but its proximity to land should limit its ability to gain hurricane strength again.After making landfall again in the Southeast, it is expected to march up the entire East Coast from Friday and beyond. The storm will likely lose enough strength to be a tropical depression by Saturday morning and remain that way through at least Sunday, when it reaches Maine.

Flash flood warnings in place in Philadelphia and New Jersey

From CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford

A cold front sweeping through the Northeast has tapped into tropical moisture associated with Debby and is bringing heavy rainfall to the New Jersey and Philadelphia areas.

Flash flood warnings are in effect across parts of the region, including in Philadelphia and parts of New Jersey, including Morristown and Trenton.

“Life-threatening flooding” is possible in Philadelphia, the National Weather Service said in its warning. Several roads have been flooded in the area, and 3 to 5 inches of rain has been reported, the agency said.

Newark has seen between 2 to 4.5 inches of rain and another inch is possible.

Parts of the New York City area were also under flash flood warnings earlier Tuesday evening, but those have since expired. New York City has seen 1.5 to 4.5 inches of rain and could see around another inch.

The bulk of the rainfall will move through the area over the next few hours. The flood watches will remain for New York and Philadelphia until Wednesday morning.

Tornado threat continues for over 1 million people along Carolina coast

From CNN Meteorologist Robert Shackelford
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (20)

Residents repair their roof as high winds from an outer band from Tropical Storm Debby passed over the Isle of Palms, South Carolina, on August 6.

A tornado watch along the Carolina coast has been extended until 1 am EDT, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

More than 1 million people are under the tornado watch, including residents of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina.

Tornado threats will persist through the week, and twisters have “likely occurred” in Edisto Beach, Kiawah Island, Moncks Corner, Lady’s Island, West Ashley and Isle of Palms, John Quagliariello with the National Weather Service said.

Curfew remains until Wednesday morningafter Charleston gets 1 foot of water

From CNN’s Jamiel Lynch and Sydney Bishop
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (21)

A truck sprays flood water n Charleston as Tropical Storm Debby approaches on Tuesday.

Charleston will remain under curfew until at least 7:30 a.m. Wednesday after the city receiveda foot of water from Tropical Storm Debby, Mayor William Cogswell Jr. said in anews conference Tuesday night.

No fatalities or injuries have been reported thus far across South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster said at a Tuesday news conference, and there haven’t been any local evacuation orders. Colleton County, in the southern part of the state, has preliminarily reported damage to about 50 homes.

John Quagliariello with the National Weather Service said there will likely be “catastrophic flash and urban flooding” with a local total of 25 inches of rainfall possible.

Rainfall “will remain the greatest concern,” Quagliariello emphasized Tuesday, noting rivers will also rise “significantly” and any resulting flooding could “last long-term, cutting off access to some communities.”

Tornado threats will also persist through the week, and twisters have “likely occurred” in Edisto Beach, Kiawah Island, Moncks Corner, Lady’s Island, West Ashley and Isle of Palms, Quagliariello said.

There were over 12,000 storm-related outages statewide as of Tuesday afternoon, and residents should be expecting more, according to Andrew Bateman of the state Office of Regulatory Staff.

Virginia governor declares state of emergencyin advance of Tropical StormDebby

From CNN's Michelle Watson

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared astate of emergencyTuesday afternoon, anticipating transportation difficulties and power outages from Tropical StormDebby, his office said in a news release.

Though Debby’s exact track is uncertain, strong winds, heavy rains, storm surgeand severe flooding could hit the Commonwealth by Wednesday evening, the release said.

A post-hurricane heat wave is the nightmare scenario

From CNN Climate's Laura Paddison
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (22)

People waiting in extreme heat to buy ice at Duplantier Ice Service in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 1, 2021, as power remained out in most of the city after Hurricane Ida ripped through the state.

When Hurricane Ida battered Louisiana with catastrophic flooding and powerful winds in August 2021,more than 1 million peoplelost power. Then came the heat wave.

Temperatures rose above 90 degrees Fahrenheit — a sucker punch to those sweltering in their homes, unable to turn on air conditioning as power outages stretched on for days.

It was the heat that proved deadliestin New Orleans, responsible forat least nineof the city’s 14 hurricane-related deaths.

The combination of a hurricane, heat wave and a multi-day power outage is a nightmare scenario, but it’s one set to become more common as humans continue to warm the planet, fueling devastating extreme weather. And it reveals an uncomfortable truth about the vulnerability of humanity’s ultimate protection against heat: air conditioning.

Here’s why your air conditioning can’t save you anymore.

How to get help, stay safe and maintain your sanity after a hurricane

From CNN's Holly Yan
Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (23)

Chatham County employees dump a truck load of sand for residents to use in sandbag as they prepare for Hurricane Debby, in Savannah, Georgia on August 5.

Hurricane survivors returning to damaged houses face a torrent of challenges – if they’re lucky enough to have a home at all.

Flooding. Mold damage. Insurance headaches. Deadly hidden hazards.

The onslaught of mental anguish and post-hurricane dangers can seem overwhelming. Here’s how victims can stay safe, get help and take the first steps toward recovery:

Don’t go home until it’s completely safe: Just because the hurricane is over doesn’t mean it’s safe to drive. Residents should “return home only when local officials say it is safe to do so,” theFederal Emergency Management Agencysays.

If you see a flooded road, officials stress a life-saving but often ignored mantra: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Every year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard, the National Weather Service says.

Use extreme caution when you get home: When it’s safe to go home, try toarrive during daytime hoursso you don’t need any lights, the CDC says. You might not have power in the area.

Once you get there, “Walk carefully around the outside of your home to check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage,” the National Weather Service says.

If your home is flooded, “wait to re-enter your home until professionals tell you it is safe, with no structural, electrical or other hazards,” the CDC says.

Minimize the risk of electrocution: Flooded homes require additional precautions to prevent electrocution.

“If you have standing water in your home and can turn off the main power from a dry location, then go ahead and turn off the power,”the CDC says.

Read more about how to recover from a hurricane or tropical storm.

There's an 85% chance of above-normal Atlantic hurricane activity until August 19

From CNN's Eric Zerkel

All eyes are on Debby, but the storm could be an appetizer of what’s to come as a predicted hyperactive hurricane season builds toward its climatological crescendo, with forecasters at Colorado State University calling for an abnormally active August in the Atlantic Ocean.

There’s an 85% chance of above-normal activity from August 6 to 19, according to the report.

Atmospheric conditions are forecast to become more favorable for development during this timeframe and forecast models are showing increased tropical activity across the area of the Atlantic where most tropical systems form, the report said.

The Atlantic is already near record-warm in the region, providing ample food for any storms to feast on.

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Deadly Tropical Storm Debby drenches East Coast | CNN (2024)

FAQs

What was the worst storm to hit the East Coast? ›

Overall costliest
NameNominal damage (Billions USD)Season
Sandy$68.72012
Ike$38.02008
Andrew$27.31992
Ivan$26.12004
41 more rows

Is there a tropical storm on the East Coast? ›

There are currently no active storms in the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico.

Where is hurricane Debby in 2024? ›

Debby made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida's panhandle, as a category 1 hurricane on the morning of August 5th, 2024, then crossing Florida and Georgia, hugging the southeast coast as a tropical storm.

Where did tropical storm Cindy hit? ›

In 2005, Hurricane Cindy reached Category 1 status after a tropical wave moved quickly across the Atlantic from Africa and became a more organized storm over the Caribbean Sea. Cindy was initially predicted to reach Texas, but shifted over the Gulf of Mexico and made landfall in Southeast Louisiana.

What year was the most severe Blizzard that hit the East Coast? ›

Great Blizzard of 1888, winter storm that pummeled the Atlantic coast of the United States, from the Chesapeake Bay to Maine, in March 1888. The blizzard caused more than $20 million in property damage in New York City alone and killed more than 400 people, including about 100 sailors, across the Eastern Seaboard.

What was the worst tropical storm ever in the US? ›

The Galveston Hurricane of August 1900 was the deadliest hurricane in United States history, according to NOAA, causing tremendous destruction and loss of life. An estimated 8,000 to 12,000 people died in the storm, making it the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history.

Where did Debbie hit? ›

Hurricane Debby this year made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, in the state's Big Bend on August 5. Tracking inland, it weakened to a tropical storm hours later but still caused four deaths.

When did Hurricane Debby hit Florida? ›

Debby strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale the evening of Aug. 4 before making landfall near Steinhatchee, Fla. on the morning of Aug. 5.

What year was hurricane Debbie? ›

On September 16th 1961 Hurricane Debi devastated much of the west coast of Ireland, including Bundoran as is evident from the picture below.

What track was Hurricane Cindy 2005? ›

As Cindy weakened, it curved to the northeast and moved across southern Mississippi and southern Alabama. The weakening center of the storm tracked across Stone and Greene Counties in southern Mississippi and into Washington and Clarke Counties in Alabama before dissipating.

What was the amount of damage caused by Hurricane Cindy? ›

Hurricane Cindy (2005)
Meteorological history
Lowest pressure991 mbar (hPa); 29.26 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities6
Damage$320 million (2005 USD)
10 more rows

Where did hurricane Daisy hit? ›

Hurricane Daisy - October 6-8, 1962. southeast of Nantucket on the 6th, before recurving offshore Maine into Nova Scotia. for the 24 hour morning totals at Portland, Boston, and Nantucket.

What was the most intense storm in history? ›

The strongest tropical cyclone recorded worldwide, as measured by minimum central pressure, was Typhoon Tip, which reached a pressure of 870 hPa (25.69 inHg) on October 12, 1979.

When was the perfect storm on the East Coast? ›

1991 'Perfect Storm': How the deadly system that inspired a blockbuster hit took shape. It may be listed in the historical records as an unnamed hurricane, but the 1991 storm that sank a boat off the Eastern Seaboard is better known as the “perfect storm.”

What was the strongest storm to hit New York? ›

1938: The hurricane of 1938, known as "The Long Island Express," is remembered as one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes to ever hit the east coast.

What was the worst storm surge in the US history? ›

In the United States, one of the greatest recorded storm surges was generated by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005, which produced a maximum storm surge of more than 28 feet (8.53 m) in southern Mississippi, with a storm surge height of 27.8 feet (8.47 m) in Pass Christian.

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