WTUS82 KCHS 072104 HLSCHS SCZ043>045-047>052-080515- Tropical Storm Debby Local Statement Advisory Number 22 National Weather Service Charleston SC AL042024 504 PM EDT Wed Aug 7 2024 This product covers southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia **CONSIDERABLE FLOODING CONTINUES ACROSS MUCH OF SOUTHEAST SOUTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Beaufort, Charleston, Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper, Dorchester, Inland Berkeley, Inland Colleton, Inland Jasper, and Tidal Berkeley * STORM INFORMATION: - About 50 miles east-southeast of Charleston SC or about 120 miles east-northeast of Savannah GA - 32.5N 79.1W - Storm Intensity 60 mph - Movement North-northeast or 30 degrees at 3 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Considerable flooding remains possible as Tropical Storm Debby slowing passes near the middle South Carolina coast through Thursday. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches is forecast over Southeast South Carolina with an inch or less across Southeast Georgia before Debby pulls away from the area. This rainfall could exacerbate ongoing flooding and potentially cause additional flash flooding. Tropical Storm Debby is just off the Charleston County coast this afternoon and is expected to move slowly northward tonight, likely making landfall along the middle South Carolina coast on Thursday. This slow motion will continue the prolonged period of significant impacts across the area. Tropical storm force winds combined with saturated soil will continue to bring downed trees and power lines, mainly along the South Carolina coast. Additionally, there will be an extended period of major flooding along larger main stem rivers that will continue well after Debby moves away from the region. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across Southeast South Carolina and Southeast Georgia. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having additional devastating impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Extreme rainfall flooding could prompt widespread rescues. As event unfolds, rescues could become impossible. - Rivers and tributaries could overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become raging rivers with strong currents. Flood control systems and barriers could become stressed or overwhelmed. - Flood waters will enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Flood waters could render escape routes impassable. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become impossible and life threatening. Widespread road and bridge closures with most weakened or washed out. - Drinking water and sewer services could be negatively impacted. - Hazardous containers and materials could possibly be present in flood waters. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across Southeast South Carolina. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles. - Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges and access routes impassable. - Travel by vehicle or on foot increasingly difficult. Danger of death or injury from falling objects such as trees or electric wires outside. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines, which could persist for hours or days. - Some poorly secured small craft could break loose from their moorings. Elsewhere across southeast South Carolina and southeast Georgia, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check- ins. Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don't drown! Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Charleston SC around 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$