WTUS82 KILM 070918 HLSILM NCZ087-096-099-105>110-SCZ017-023-024-032-033-039-054>056-058-059-071730- Tropical Storm Debby Local Statement Advisory Number 20 National Weather Service Wilmington NC AL042024 518 AM EDT Wed Aug 7 2024 This product covers southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina **DEBBY CONTINUES PRODUCING CONSIDERABLE AMOUNTS OF RAINFALL AND FLOODING TO THE AREA** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect for Coastal Brunswick, Coastal Georgetown, and Coastal Horry - A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Central Horry, Coastal New Hanover, Coastal Pender, Inland Georgetown, and Williamsburg * STORM INFORMATION: - About 190 miles south-southwest of Wilmington NC or about 130 miles south-southwest of Myrtle Beach SC - 31.9N 79.5W - Storm Intensity 45 mph - Movement East or 85 degrees at 5 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Debby is currently off the coast of Savannah, Georgia coast and moving slowly to the east. As it slowly turn moves closer to the area over the next couple days, heavy rain will continue over the area. The very slow progression of the storm could result in considerable 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 storm total precipitation amounts are 3 to 9 inches over much of the area, with higher isolated amounts. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect over the coastal portions of Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties, and portions of the South Carolina coastal counties and Williamsburg county. Sustained winds of 40 to 45 mph will be possible with higher gusts over these areas. Storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet is possible from South Santee River to the Cape Fear River and up to 2 feet to the north. A few tornadoes are also possible, with the highest chances along the coast. 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 southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. 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. * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding. Remain well sheltered from dangerous wind having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - Some damage to roofing and siding, along with damage to porches and awnings. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Damage to vulnerable structures such as carports, sheds and mobile homes is possible. - Large limbs will be down with several trees snapped or uprooted. Several fences and roadway signs may become blown over. Some roads may become impassable due to large debris blocking the roadway, especially within urban or heavily wooded places. Some bridges, causeways, and elevated roads may be impacted by high winds making driving on them hazardous. - Scattered power and communications outages are possible, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines. - Small craft that are not properly moored may break loose. * 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 and northeast South Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across mainly along the coastal sections of Northeast South Carolina and most of Southeast North Carolina. Potential impacts include: - The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder preparedness actions during tropical events. - A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. - Tornadoes can cause damage to trees, vehicles, boats, and buildings. Unsecured mobile homes and poorly constructed structures are particularly vulnerable. Elsewhere across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, little to no impact is anticipated. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay inside and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio and flashlight from your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items close. Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as possible. If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications systems with idle chatter. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. Be wise and avoid becoming another statistic. 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 11 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ 7