WTUS82 KFFC 052118 HLSFFC GAZ086-097-098-108>113-060530- Tropical Storm Debby Local Statement Advisory Number 14 National Weather Service Peachtree City GA AL042024 518 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024 This product covers NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA **TS Debby bringing heavy rain to SE Georgia over next 24 hours** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * 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 110 miles south-southeast of Cordele GA or about 120 miles south-southwest of Vidalia GA - 30.5N 82.9W - Storm Intensity 50 mph - Movement Northeast or 35 degrees at 6 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ OVERVIEW... Debby is expected to continue slowly tracking east northeasterly across southeastern Georgia on Monday and Tuesday. Potentially historic rainfall will result in considerable flooding impacts across portions of east-central Georgia. 1-3" of rain has already fallen across portions of Toombs, Montgomery, Telfair and Wheeler counties. Additional forecast precipitation amounts through Wednesday morning are 5 to 8 inches south and east of a line from Abbeville to Dublin to Louisville, with localized values of 10"+ possible towards the southeast in Toombs, Montgomery, Telfair, and Wheeler. 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 east central Georgia for tropical storm force winds that are expected to begin today. The strongest winds are expected from Crisp to Toombs county. Wind gusts of near tropical storm force have already been recorded in this area, and will continue to gradually increase as Debby passes to the south through tonight. Tropical Storm force winds are expected to wind down through Tuesday morning as Debby moves to the east and continues to weaken. The tornado threat remains low, but an isolated tornado is possible in far east-central Georgia today and tonight. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across east central Georgia. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having possible devastating impacts. If realized, these 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. Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across east central Georgia. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood waters having limited to extensive impacts. Elsewhere across NORTH AND CENTRAL GEORGIA, little to no impact is anticipated. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across east central Georgia. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having some limited impacts. If realized, these impacts 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: Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across east central Georgia. Remain well braced against a tornado event having limited impacts. If realized, these 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: 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. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. If you are prone to flooding, be prepared for the possibility of a quick and dramatic rise in water levels. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. * 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. $$