Tropical Storm Debby Moving Slowly, Bringing Heavy Rains and High Flood Risk to Southeastern United States

Tropical Storm Debby caused chaos and devastation as it made its way through historic Southern cities in the United States. The storm, which hit Florida first, resulted in at least five fatalities and forced the rescue of hundreds from flooded homes. Record amounts of rainfall from the storm led to flash flooding, with some areas expecting up to 30 inches of rain, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson advised residents to “hunker down” and prepare for a challenging day ahead, as flash flood warnings were issued in cities like Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. Curfews were imposed in both cities to ensure public safety.

The impact of Tropical Storm Debby was described as “historic and potentially unprecedented” by Charleston County Interim Emergency Director Ben Webster. In Edisto Beach, South Carolina, a tornado caused damage to properties and power lines but fortunately resulted in no reported injuries.

After making landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, Debby weakened to a tropical storm and continued to move slowly, causing catastrophic flooding in parts of eastern Georgia, the coastal plain of South Carolina, and southeast North Carolina. Authorities conducted multiple rescue operations, with about 500 people saved from flooded homes in Sarasota, Florida.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the ongoing threat of flooding as water levels rise in northern areas, posing a risk for the state. Tragically, the storm claimed the lives of five individuals, including a truck driver in Florida and others in accidents caused by the storm.

The aftermath of the storm left nearly 160,000 customers without power in Florida and Georgia, with flight cancellations and widespread disruptions to travel. President Joe Biden approved emergency declarations for South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, while Vice President Kamala Harris postponed a campaign stop in Savannah.

North Carolina, which declared a state of emergency, recalled the region’s vulnerability to flooding from past tropical systems. The Carolinas have experienced significant flooding in recent years from hurricanes like Joaquin, Matthew, and Florence, resulting in substantial damage and loss of life.