WTUS82 KFFC 050933 HLSFFC GAZ085-086-096>098-105>113-051745- Hurricane Debby Local Statement Advisory Number 12 National Weather Service Peachtree City GA AL042024 533 AM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024 This product covers North AND Central Georgia **HURRICANE DEBBY WILL BRING POTENTIALLY HISTORIC RAINFALL TO PORTIONS OF EAST CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * 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, Johnson, Laurens, Pulaski, and Treutlen * STORM INFORMATION: - About 230 miles south of Macon GA or about 200 miles south-southwest of Vidalia GA - 29.5N 83.7W - Storm Intensity 80 mph - Movement North-northeast or 15 degrees at 10 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Hurricane Debby is expected to make landfall later this morning in the Big Bend Region of Florida, then track very slowly across southeastern Georgia on Tuesday. Potentially historic rainfall will result in considerable flooding impacts across portions of east central Georgia. The latest most likely forecast amounts through Wednesday morning are 5 to 10 inches south and east of a line from Abbeville to Dublin to Louisville, with amounts of 13 inches or more possible in some locations. Rainfall of these amounts will lead to widespread, significant flash flooding and Moderate to Major flooding of creeks and rivers. A Tropical Storm warning is in effect for Southeast Georgia for tropical storm force winds that are expected to begin today with the strongest winds expected from Crisp to Toombs county. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Emanuel County to Dooly County to account for uncertainty in the 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 in east central Georgia today and tonight. 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 hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across east central Georgia. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. 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 officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground. When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness activities to become unsafe. Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are unable to make personal preparations. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * 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 1130 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$