Janice R. Andrews
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Tropical Storm Debby has flooded coastal Georgia and South Carolina and unleashed a torrent of rain on Tuesday that may cause “catastrophic flooding” in Charleston, Savannah, and other cities in the Southeast.
Lethal Effect
At least six people have died as a result of the storm in Florida and Georgia, and it is predicted to linger over the southeast and mid-Atlantic coasts for days, increasing the risk of flooding.
“Debby is expected to produce potentially historic rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches (25 cm to 51 cm), with maximum amounts of 25 inches (63.5 cm), bringing areas of catastrophic flooding across portions of the eastern half of South Carolina and southeast North Carolina through Friday,” according to the National Hurricane Center. These states’ governors have responded by proclamating states of emergency.
Extreme Weather Conditions
With winds of 40 mph (64 kph), Debby was traveling slowly to the northeast at 5 mph (8 kph). The storm’s core was located around 50 miles (80 km) east of Savannah, Georgia, as of Tuesday night. The NHC, which is located in Miami, issued a warning on Sunday that areas of the mid-Atlantic might flood due to heavy rainfall.
The National Weather Service reports that Savannah and Valdosta, Georgia, have already received more than 8 inches (20 cm) of rain. Up to 12 inches (25–30 cm) of rain have fallen in Charleston and Hilton Head, South Carolina, thus far, and more is predicted.
Involved Community Action
Rain was falling heavily outside Savannah’s iconic Bellwether House, a 16-room bed & breakfast located in the city’s historic area. Despite the downpour, general manager Victoria Hill maintained her composure.
According to Hill, “This place was built in 1876.” “It’s built rock-solid, and you can imagine how many storms have hit over the last century.” A small number of visitors decided to stay, despite the fact that many others cancelled their bookings. “We are present, accessible, and resilient. We’ll all go through this together.
Before the storm passes, Charleston Mayor William Cogswell predicted that his city might get more than two feet (61 cm) of rain. Storm surges of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) will stop floods from running into the sea even at low tide.
Cogswell stated late on Monday that “there are not enough pumps in the world to handle that much rain.” Since then, he has extended the curfew for the whole city till Wednesday am. “Nobody should be out on the streets in these conditions unless it is an absolute emergency,” said the mayor.
Emergency Exits
Fears of a possible breach at the McGrady Dam in Colleton County, some 50 miles (80 km) west of Charleston, caused the county sheriff’s office to issue evacuation advisories on Tuesday.
Debby brought 8 to 16 inches (20 to 41 cm) of rain to central Florida as it made landfall as a Category 1 storm on Monday morning in the Big Bend region of Florida. Five fatalities in Florida and one close to Valdosta, Georgia, have been attributed to the hurricane.
Savannah’s Severe Flooding
A “once-in-a-thousand-year” rain storm could strike Savannah, according to Mayor Van Johnson’s warning. Johnson said, “This will actually create islands in the city.”
Businessman Cedrick King of Brunswick, Georgia, which is near the shore, gathered his possessions on Tuesday and got ready to travel five hours to Atlanta in order to avoid the hurricane. “We’re headed north, far away from this storm,” he stated.
Persistent Danger
Residents and officials in the Southeast United States are anticipating further rains and perhaps floods in the coming days as Tropical Storm Debby continues to wreak havoc. Everyone in the storm’s path is advised by the NHC to keep informed and take the appropriate safety actions.
