Tropical Storm Debby Floods Carolinas | Weather.com (2024)

Tropical Storm Debby Floods Carolinas | Weather.com (1)

At a Glance

  • Debby made a second landfall early Thursday.
  • The storm spawned a deadly tornado in North Carolina.
  • The storm caused flight delays at several major East Coast Airports.

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Debby dumped more than 19 inches of rain across parts of the Southeast and spawned several tornadoes as the storm wreaked havoc from Florida to Virginia.

D​ebby's slow crawl started with landfall as a Category 1 hurricane Monday in Florida's Big Bend region along the Gulf Coast. Debby entered the Atlantic Ocean and came ashore Thursday in South Carolina as a tropical storm.

A​t least seven people were killed in the storm's path, emergencies were declared in several communities, evacuations were issued for some areas and hundreds of thousands were left without electricity.

Here are our live updates from Thursday:

(6:11 p.m. ET) What We’re Watching Next

From weather.com senior graphics meteorologist Dina Knightly:

An area of disturbed weather off the coast of Africa has the chance of tropical development near the Lesser & Greater Antilles early next week. If it were to form and get a name, it would be Ernesto. It is still early, but that area is a prime spot for tropical development in August.

(​5:32 p.m. ET) National Blood Shortage Related To Weather, Red Cross Says

Record heat dampened turnout at nearly 100 recent blood drives across the U.S. Then came Debby, which forced blood drives in the Southeast to be canceled.

T​he American Red Cross declared a national blood emergency on Monday, noting that the blood supply plunged by 25% since July 1.

T​o help, the agency is asking people in unaffected areas to donate blood as soon as possible. Visit redcross.org for more details.

(​4:41 p.m. ET) Debby Downgraded To Tropical Depression

T​he National Hurricane Center just issued its last advisory on Debbie, downgrading the storm to a tropical depression. It's currently located about 45 miles east of Charlotte, North Carolina, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.

Rain and flooding remain a major threat in the system's path.

(​4:32 p.m. ET) Flight Delays Continue At East Coast Airports

Weather is causing disruptions at several major airports, according to the FAA. Ground stops or delays are in place at Boston Logan, Washington National, LaGuardia, Newark, JFK, and Raleigh-Durham.

T​ravelers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

(​3:56 p.m. ET) Why We'll Likely Continue To See An Active Hurricane Season

An update from NOAA this morning showed a continued transition toward La Niña as we get closer to fall.

That means the more active hurricane season we are already seeing is likely to continue. La Niña usually decreases wind shear, and that makes the tropical atmosphere more favorable for development.

Pre-season outlooks predicted one of the most active hurricane seasons on record. That still seems likely this year.

(​3:13 p.m. ET) Photos Show The Wrath Of Debby

W​e've collected a slideshow of nearly 100 photos, from Hurricane Debby making landfall in Florida to the storm bringing flooding, tornadoes and damage into North Carolina. You can see them here, or click through the slideshow below.

(​2:22 p.m. ET) Don't Ignore The Danger Of Falling Trees

A combination of high winds and soggy ground is making conditions ripe for falling trees. Dozens of trees are down in Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. There are also reports of downed trees and power lines from cities in Pennsylvania including Roanoke and Danville.

Falling trees are an often overlooked danger when it comes to storm deaths. T​here's no reliable data on the number of people killed by falling trees in the U.S. each year, but data from the National Weather Service blames 55 deaths on wind in 2022, the most recent year published.

(​1:51 p.m. ET) Where Debby Is Now

T​he National Hurricane Center just released its 2 p.m. update. Debby is sitting or about 100 miles southwest of Raleigh, North Carolina, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. The storm is moving north-northwest at about 10 mph.

Tropical Storm Debby Floods Carolinas | Weather.com (4)

(​1:42 p.m. ET) Evacuations Ordered In Georgia Community

Some r​esidents in Bloomingdale, Georgia, are being told to leave their homes over fears of flooding. The area is located in Effingham County, about 10 miles northwest of Savannah.

T​he community lies near the Ogeechee River at the town of Eden, which is approaching major flood stage of 16 feet and is expected to rise to more than 19 feet by Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. That would be the river's highest crest there since Oct. 1, 1929.

(​1:19 p.m. ET) South Carolina Sees More Than 18 Inches Of Rain

H​ere's a look at some of the highest rainfall totals as of noon today:

South Carolina

-​Summerville, 18.25 inches

-​Mount Pleasant, 17.7 inches

-​Green Pond, 17.43 inches

-​Charleston, 10.35 inches

N​orth Carolina

-​Kings Grant, 15.25 inches

-​Shallotte, 13.05 inches

-​Elizabethtown, 10.71 inches

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-​Wilmington, 8.57 inches

(​12:57 p.m. ET) North Carolina Activates More National Guard Members

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper is calling up more National Guard members and deploying more rescue vehicles as Debby dumps more rain on the state, The Associated Press reported.

The region “continues to face unrelenting rain and destruction from Tropical Storm Debby,” Gov. Roy Cooper said today at a National Guard armory in Kinston.

He added that some 374 guard members and 131 vehicles were ready to respond.

(​12:41 p.m. ET) Power Outages Soar

M​ore than 125,000 power outages are being reported in North Carolina, according to PowerOutage.us.

About 7,700 outages are being reported in South Carolina and about 7,400 remain in Florida.

Tropical Storm Debby Floods Carolinas | Weather.com (5)

(​12:08 p.m. ET) Why It's So Important To Pay Attention To Debby's Rainfall

When it comes to deaths attributed directly to tropical storms and hurricanes, rainfall flooding is the biggest killer. More than half of the people killed during named storms in the past 10 years drowned in floodwaters.

Weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman breaks down the danger here.

(​11:15 a.m. ET) Major Flooding Potential Today

The days of rain aren’t over yet for residents of the East Coast, as Debby continues its downpour over the already-drenched region. Our meteorologists are watching flooding closely today throughout North Carolina, including Wilmington, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Winston Salem.

From weather.com meteorologist Rob Ellis:

"As long as Debby remains slow-moving, flooding rains will continue to be the biggest threat, even well after landfall. And the impacts don't just immediately stop along the coast. Inland and all along the path of the remnants of Debby, flooding will be a concern, especially areas susceptible to flooding like metropolitan areas with urban flooding and higher terrain like the Appalachians."

Tropical Storm Debby Floods Carolinas | Weather.com (6)

Several flash flood warnings are already in effect across the Carolinas. Parts of Roanoke, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. area should also be on alert for flash floods.

(​9:58 a.m. ET) Deputies Narrowly Escape Falling Tree

In Bladen County, North Carolina, high water has made many areas impassable. Flooding has overtaken several roads and bridges. Officials issued a voluntary evacuation order. They’re urging people to stay off the roads as much as possible.

Tropical Storm Debby Floods Carolinas | Weather.com (7)

While patrolling overnight, Bladen County deputies narrowly escaped a large tree that fell across the highway. The tree busted the windshield on their patrol car, but both deputies made it out safely.

Tropical Storm Debby Floods Carolinas | Weather.com (8)

(​9:31 a.m. ET) Tornado Death Confirmed In North Carolina

Local officials in Lucama, North Carolina, are reporting one death from an overnight tornado that damaged at least 10 homes, including a two-story house that completely collapsed.

Witnesses told WRAL News the second floor of the home fell onto the first floor. Neighbors became worried when the homeowner, a man in his 60s, didn’t answer his phone. A FEMA crew was dispatched to search through the wreckage and found a body at around 9:15 a.m. The other damaged homes in the area were searched and cleared with no additional casualties.

(​8:59 a.m. ET) Seven Tornadoes Confirmed In South Carolina

Officials from the National Weather Service office in Charleston, South Carolina, have confirmed at least seven tornadoes spawned by Debby in the state so far.

Preliminary damage assessments identified four EF1 tornadoes, including one that touched down in Moncks Corner.

Local media shared photos from the area showing an Arby’s restaurant turned inside out by the fierce winds.

While the severe weather threat for South Carolina has subsided, damage assessments will take several more days.

(​8:35 a.m. ET) Man Trapped By Debby-Spawned Tornado

Crews are assessing tornado damage to a stretch of homes outside of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Footage from local media shows several roofs caved in and belongings scattered across the grass. Search and rescue officials told witnesses they believe a man is still inside one of the homes.

They’re using tools to make their way through the debris and identify any victims that have been unaccounted for.

(​7:50 a.m. ET) Debby’s Tornado Threat

Today brings an increased potential for severe weather, as Debby’s outer bands blow through North Carolina and into Virginia.

From senior meteorologist Chris Dolce: “Debby has spawned multiple tornadoes this week from Florida to the Carolinas. That threat is now spreading northward along its track, with eastern North Carolina and central and southeast Virginia possibly seeing a few tornadoes spin up today. The Raleigh, North Carolina, and Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia, metro areas are included in this threat area.”

Tropical Storm Debby Floods Carolinas | Weather.com (9)

Residents should be on the lookout for watches and warnings as they are issued throughout the day.

(​7:30 a.m. ET) Debby Contributes To National Blood Shortage

The American Red Cross declared a national blood emergency due to a shortfall of donations caused, in part, by Debby. Officials say the storm exacerbated an already bad situation; its flooding, power outages and travel hazards forced the cancellation of blood drives across the Southeast. This means hundreds of lifesaving blood donations are going uncollected, just as they’re needed most.

Ahead of the storm, the Red Cross worked to ensure hospitals in Debby’s path would be fully stocked with blood products.

Officials say the national blood supply has fallen 25% since July 1.

(​6:43 a.m. ET) Tornado Rips Through Middle School

Just before dawn, a Debby-spawned tornado touched down in Lucama, North Carolina, causing significant damage in its path. County officials confirmed that Springfield Middle School took a heavy hit. Video from social media shows parts of the school in ruins.

At least four nearby homes also suffered structural damage. No injuries have been reported.

Emergency crews are already on the scene, assessing the damage and securing the area. Officials are asking everyone to stay clear of the parts of town affected, remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.

(​6 a.m. ET) Power Outages Expected To Worsen

This morning, more than 75,000 people in the Carolinas are without power as Debby's winds and rain begin to wreak havoc again. Power outages were a big concern before Debby hit, so local providers ramped up their staff and prepped across the Southeast.

Duke Energy says they have at least 7,500 crew members working nonstop to restore power, including hundreds who traveled in from the Midwest to lend a hand.

Tropical Storm Debby Floods Carolinas | Weather.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the biggest immediate threat to a coastal communities during hurricanes? ›

Storm Surge

This hazard is historically the leading cause of hurricane related deaths in the United States. Storm surge and large battering waves can result in large loss of life and cause massive destruction along the coast.

Where within the hurricane is the heaviest rainfall? ›

Surrounding the eye is a violent, stormy eyewall, formed as inward-moving, warm air turns upward into the storm (see Hurricane Development: From Birth to Maturity). Usually, the strongest winds and heaviest precipitation are found in this area.

What is a storm that brings strong winds heavy rains and coastal flooding? ›

A hurricane is a strong tropical cyclone that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean or northeastern Pacific Ocean. A typhoon occurs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. In the Indian Ocean and South Pacific, comparable storms are referred to as "tropical cyclones".

What are 2 3 coastal hazards that occur when a hurricane makes landfall? ›

Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage from storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge historically is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.

What states get the most hurricanes? ›

Florida experiences the most hurricanes in the U.S. overall, with a total of 120 hurricanes from 1851 to 2022. In general, the Gulf Coast states (Florida, Texas, Louisiana) are the most susceptible to hurricanes, followed by East Coast and mid-Atlantic states.

What are the 3 most destructive hurricanes? ›

There are different ways to categorize the worst hurricanes, but three of the worst hurricanes in history are the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the Lake Okeechobee Hurricane of 1928 and the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane.

Where is the heaviest rainfall on Earth? ›

Mawsynram (/ˈmɔːsɪnˌrʌm/) is a town in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in Northeastern India, 69 kilometres from Shillong, the state capital. Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India. It is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of 11,872 millimetres (467.4 in).

What was the worst rain storm ever? ›

The Great Storm of 1861-1862, often referred to as the Great Flood of 1862, was a series of intense storms that battered California for several weeks.

Which side is the bad side of a hurricane? ›

The dirty side of a hurricane, also known as the "right-front quadrant" when you are looking along its path of travel, is typically the most dangerous part of the storm.

What not to do during a hurricane? ›

Stay inside and keep away from all windows, skylights and glass doors. Go to a safe area, such as an interior room, closet or downstairs bathroom. Never go outside the protection of your home or shelter before there is confirmation that the storm has passed the area.

How far inland can storm surge go? ›

Storm surges have been known to go 25 miles inland, submerging cars and flooding houses in its path.

What hurricane had the highest storm surge? ›

Hurricane Katrina, 2005

One of the most catastrophic hurricanes in U.S. history, storm surge during Katrina reached 25 to 28 feet along the Mississippi Coast, one of the highest storm surges ever recorded in the U.S.

What is the deadliest part of a hurricane? ›

A storm surge is the deadliest impact a hurricane can have. When a storm surge occurs, it causes the strong currents of the ocean to sweep into neighborhoods and cities. Homes, businesses, and vehicles can all be swept away by the force and speed of a storm surge.

What was the worst hurricane in history? ›

Great Galveston Hurricane

The Great Galveston Hurricane decimated the island city on the Gulf Coast of Texas on Sept. 8, 1900. This hurricane is known as the deadliest weather disaster in United States history, killing at least 8,000 people, with some estimates as high as 12,000 people.

What is the leading cause of death in hurricanes? ›

During a hurricane, common sources of injury and death include drowning from floods and storm surge, and trauma from debris carried by high-speed winds. After a hurricane, common sources of injury and death include electrocution, cuts and trauma caused by slips and falling trees, and infections.

What is one of the biggest threats facing coastal areas? ›

The threats to coastal communities include extreme natural events such as hurricanes, coastal storms, tsunamis, and landslides, as well as longer-term risks of coastal erosion and sea level rise. Floods are the most frequent natural disaster; one in three Federal disaster declarations is related to flooding.

What is the greatest threat from a hurricane? ›

Powerful winds aren't the only deadly force during a hurricane. The greatest threat to life actually comes from the water – in the form of storm surge. Storm surge is water from the ocean that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the hurricane.

What causes most of the damage to a community during a hurricane? ›

Combined with the crashing waves of the storm, storm surge can demolish docks, houses, and roads, and erode beaches. The floods from storm surge usually lasts for a short time — often just a few hours — but can cause a tremendous amount of damage.

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