WTUS82 KFFC 042115 HLSFFC GAZ086-096>098-105>113-050515- Tropical Storm Debby Local Statement Advisory Number 10 National Weather Service Peachtree City GA AL042024 515 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024 This product covers NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA **Potentially Historic Rainfall Anticipated with Tropical Storm Debby Monday into Tuesday** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Dodge, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Wheeler, and Wilcox - A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Bleckley, Dooly, Emanuel, Laurens, Pulaski, and Treutlen * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Dodge, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Wheeler, and Wilcox - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Bleckley, Crisp, Dooly, Emanuel, Laurens, Pulaski, and Treutlen * STORM INFORMATION: - About 300 miles south of Cordele GA or about 330 miles south-southwest of Vidalia GA - 27.7N 84.4W - Storm Intensity 65 mph - Movement North or 360 degrees at 12 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ OVERVIEW... Tropical Storm Debby is expected to make landfall on Monday in the Big Bend Region of Florida along the Apalachee Bay and track into southern Georgia on Tuesday. Potentially historic heavy rainfall will likely result in considerable flooding impacts across portions of east central Georgia. Current forecast amounts through Wednesday morning are 7-10" along a line of counties from Jefferson to Wilcox and points southeast, with amounts of 13+" possible in some locations. Rainfall of these amounts will lead to widespread, significant flash flooding. Significant flooding of creeks, streams, and rivers is also expected. A Tropical Storm warning is in effect for SE Georgia for tropical storm force winds that are expected to begin on Monday with the strongest winds expected from Crisp to Toombs county. A Tropical Storm Watch from Emanuel to Dooly to account for uncertainty in northward progression of winds. Sustained winds of 40-45 mph will be possible, with some higher gusts. The tornado threat remains low, but an isolated tornado is possible mainly south of a line from Uvalda to Milan. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible devastating impacts across east central Georgia. Potential impacts include: - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging rivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed. - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out. Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible limited to extensive impacts across east central Georgia. * WIND: Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across east central Georgia. Potential impacts in this area 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. Several fences and roadway signs blown over. - Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable. - Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across east central Georgia. Elsewhere across NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across east central Georgia. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings. Elsewhere across NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local and state officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding. Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area. 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! If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options. 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 creating an emergency plan see ready.ga.gov - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Peachtree City GA around 1115 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$