Tropical Storm Debby Brings Flooding to the Carolinas

The center of Tropical Storm Debby is nearing the coast of Georgia this morning. The large rain shield around Debby is producing bands of rain feeding in off the ocean along the entire coast of SC and extending far inland. Debby is still expected to be a very slow mover over the next few days, and the result will be excessive rain amounts and flooding. Here is the latest track forecast from the National Hurricane Center. Rain totals from this point on will be heaviest across the northeastern quarter of the South Carolina, including the Pee Dee and Grand Strand. Check out the map from NOAA showing the very highest amounts going forward centered along the SC/NC border area. The Flash Flood Risk area is large, with the high risk of flooding extending northward into the Raleigh area.

Some the the rain bands are also producing rotating storms within the band raising a tornado threat. A tornado watch is in effect for much of eastern SC until 5 pm today.

For the Pee Dee and Grand Strand, bands of heavy rain will continue today, tomorrow and Thursday. Weather will begin to inprove Friday, but any river flooding will continue for days longer. Winds will be gusty with some of the heavier bands. We will have to watch for a period of higher wind gusts once the center of Debby nears the SC coast and makes a slow trek inland. How high those gusts are will depend on how much Debby restrengthens over the ocean. One piece of good news is the European model has backed off of its high gusts forecast. With the flooding and saturated ground, trees are downed easily so at least some scattered power outages are possible. The most likely time for that will be later Wednesday into Thursday night.

Stay very aware of your local forecast and warnings where you live. Please avoid driving on any flooded roads. NEVER drive into water where you can't see the road or on roads baracaded.