Tropical Storm Debby Strengthens, Set to Impact South Carolina's Coast with Heavy Rain and Flooding

Tropical Storm Debby is set to affect South Carolina's coast, with forecasts predicting landfall by Wednesday night or early Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) 11:10 a.m. public advisory. The storm has gained strength and poses a significant flood threat, particularly for coastal residents. Charleston's streets were already submerged with water due to heavy rainfall, prompting emergency officials to assist residents in finding safety.

As of 2 p.m. on August 7, the storm's center was located approximately 55 miles east-southeast of Charleston and 90 miles south of Myrtle Beach, moving northeast at a speed of 3 mph. The NHC predicts a northward motion, with the storm center expected to reach the South Carolina coast by tonight or early Thursday, followed by a swift movement across the north and north-northeast Carolinas, as well as the U.S. Mid-Atlantic states on Thursday and Friday.

Heavy Rainfall and Flooding

The NHC's 11 a.m. weather briefing warns of heavy rainfall persisting in the Carolinas through Thursday, leading to substantial flooding. Areas of the Mid-Atlantic States and Northeast are also expected to experience the impact of the torrential rain until Saturday morning. The South Carolina and North Carolina coast will experience tropical storm conditions, with storm surges likely to cause coastal flooding.

Tropical Storm Watch and Warning

Currently, the region north of the Savannah River to Surf City, North Carolina, is under a Tropical Storm Warning, while a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the area north of Surf City, North Carolina, to Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina.

In South Carolina, an additional 3-9 inches of rainfall is expected from Debby, with locally higher amounts, potentially leading to maximum storm total amounts as high as 25 inches. Southeast North Carolina may receive approximately 15 inches of rain. From Piedmont, South Carolina, northward to portions of Virginia, 3-7 inches of rain, with local amounts reaching up to 10 inches, are predicted, resulting in flash, urban, and river flooding.

Debby's current maximum winds have increased near 60 mph, with stronger gusts anticipated as the storm approaches South Carolina's coast. After making landfall on Thursday, Debby is forecasted to weaken as it moves inland, merging with a frontal boundary over the U.S. Mid-Atlantic states on Friday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 185 miles (295 km) from the storm's center.

Impact on the Western Carolinas

The National Weather Service has projected significant rainfall from Debby for the western Carolinas, with the I-77 corridor expected to experience the most considerable threat of rain and associated flooding. The Greenville-Spartanburg area is also predicted to receive substantial amounts of rainfall, with potential flooding in various regions.