WTUS82 KILM 060257 HLSILM NCZ087-096-099-105>110-SCZ017-023-024-032-033-039-054>056-058-059-061100- Tropical Storm Debby Local Statement Advisory Number 15 National Weather Service Wilmington NC AL042024 1057 PM EDT Mon Aug 5 2024 This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina **DEBBY WILL BRING POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC FLOODING TO THE AREA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm Warning for Coastal Georgetown and Coastal Horry * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Coastal Georgetown and Coastal Horry - A Storm Surge Watch and Tropical Storm Watch are in effect for Coastal Brunswick * STORM INFORMATION: - About 330 miles southwest of Wilmington NC or about 260 miles southwest of Myrtle Beach SC - 31.1N 82.1W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement Northeast or 50 degrees at 7 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Debby is currently near the Florida and Georgia border and moving slowly to the northeast. As it moves closer to the area over the next few days, heavy rain will overspread the area. The very slow progression of the storm could result in catastrophic amounts of rainfall across northeast South Carolina and southeast North Carolina, which would result in life-threatening flash flooding, including moderate to major river flooding. The latest most likely forecast precipitation amounts are 10 to 15 inches over much of the area, with isolated amounts of 15 to 20 inches. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for South Carolina coastal zones, where sustained winds of 40 to 45 mph will be possible with higher gusts. A tropical storm watch remains in effect for coastal Brunswick County. Storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet is possible over these same areas where a Storm Surge Watch is in effect, and up to 2 feet to the north. A few tornadoes are also possible, with the highest chances across South Carolina. Numerous marine impacts are expected in the form of rough surf, dangerous rip currents, and hazardous winds and seas. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible devastating impacts across northeast South Carolina and southeast North Carlina. Potential impacts include: - Extreme flooding from rainfall may prompt numerous evacuations and rescues. - Rivers and streams may overwhelmingly overflow their banks with deep moving water. Creeks and ditches will become severely flooded and contain strong currents. - Flood waters may enter numerous structures, and some may become uninhabitable or washed away. Road scours or complete road failure is likely in many locations, along with the potential for sinkholes. Many streets and parking lots will flood, and may be impacted by swift, flowing water. Numerous road and low-lying bridge closures are likely with some weakened or washed away. Driving conditions will be very dangerous. - The delivery of drinking water and sewer services may be interrupted. Flood waters may be polluted and contain hazardous materials. * SURGE: Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible significant impacts across coastal areas south of Cape Fear. Potential impacts in this area include: - Areas of storm surge inundation enhanced by breaking waves are possible along the barrier islands. Damage to several buildings is possible, mainly near the coast. - Sections of near-shore roads may become weakened or washed out, especially in vulnerable low-lying areas. - Delivery of drinking water and sewer services may be interrupted. - Major beach erosion is possible with heavy surf and elevated water levels impacting or breaching dunes. - Moderate damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers is expected. Several small craft will break away from moorings, especially in unprotected anchorages. - Navigation may be difficult near inlets and waterways, as navigational aids may be off station or missing. Elsewhere across southeast North Carolina, little impact is anticipated. * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across coastal areas. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes is possible. Unsecured lightweight objects may be blown about. - Some large limbs may break from trees. A few shallow rooted or weak trees may snap or be knocked down. Some fences and roadway signs will be damaged. - A few roads may become impassable due to debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions are possible, especially for high profile vehicles on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages are possible. Elsewhere across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, little impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across coastal areas. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder preparedness actions during tropical events. - Tornadoes can rip roofs from homes, destroy mobile homes, cause trees to become snapped or uprooted, flip cars and boats. Dangerous projectiles can add to the damage. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. Elsewhere across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, little 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 take necessary actions to secure your home or business. Deliberate efforts should be underway to protect life and property. Ensure that your Emergency Supplies Kit is stocked and ready. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track as there are inherent forecast uncertainties which must be taken into account. 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 canyon, or near an already swollen river, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others. Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. * 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 Wilmington NC around 5 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$