WTUS82 KFFC 051525 HLSFFC GAZ085-086-096>098-105>113-052330- Tropical Storm Debby Local Statement Advisory Number 13 National Weather Service Peachtree City GA AL042024 1125 AM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024 This product covers NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA **TROPICAL STORM DEBBY WILL BRING POTENTIALLY HISTORIC RAINFALL TO PORTIONS OF EAST CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST GEORGIA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been cancelled for Bleckley, Crisp, Dooly, Johnson, and Pulaski - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Emanuel, Laurens, and Treutlen * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Dodge, Emanuel, Laurens, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wheeler, and Wilcox * STORM INFORMATION: - About 180 miles south of Macon GA or about 150 miles south-southwest of Vidalia GA - 30.2N 83.2W - Storm Intensity 70 mph - Movement North-northeast or 30 degrees at 8 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ OVERVIEW... Debby is expected to continue slowly tracking east northeasterly 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 precipitation amounts through Wednesday morning are 5 to 10 inches south and east of a line from Abbeville to Dublin to Louisville, with localized values of 13"+ possible towards the southeast. 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 expected to begin today. The strongest winds are 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 to 45 mph will be possible with some higher gusts. The tornado threat remains low, but an isolated tornado is possible in far 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. Elsewhere across NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA, little to no impact is anticipated. * 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 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. If you are relocating to safe shelter, leave as early as possible. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Many roads and bridges will be closed once strong winds arrive. Check the latest weather forecast before departing and drive with caution. 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. It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter. 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 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 5 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$