Tropical Storm Debby has struck coastal cities in Georgia and South Carolina, leading to streets being submerged under waist-high floodwaters. As the storm swirls just offshore, heavy rain is anticipated to spread north into parts of South and North Carolina over the next few days.
**In Short**
– Charleston and Savannah received up to a foot (30 cm) of rain within 24 hours.
– North Carolina and Virginia have declared a state of emergency.
– Six people have died due to traffic accidents and fallen trees.
Tropical Storm Debby hit coastal cities in Georgia and South Carolina, causing tornadoes and flooding streets with waist-high waters. The storm, which could bring up to 25 inches (64 cm) of rain, heavily affected Charleston and Savannah, where police have restricted access to Charleston’s downtown peninsula to essential workers and emergency personnel due to severe flooding. Roads in Charleston have been closed, with conditions worsened by rising sea levels.
As Debby continues to swirl offshore, heavy rain is expected to move north into parts of South and North Carolina, which have previously experienced major flooding events.
**In Short**
– Savannah firefighters used boats for evacuations and delivered supplies.
– Michael Jones described his harrowing night during the flood.
– Charleston’s road closures have prevented further damage.
– South Carolina and North Carolina brace for up to 15 inches of rain.
– North Carolina and Virginia have declared states of emergency.
– Debby’s center was southeast of Savannah, with sustained winds of 65 km/h.
– The storm is expected to move slowly out to sea and then back onshore.
– Green Pond, SC, reported over 14 inches of rain.
– Flash flooding and tornadoes have caused significant damage in several areas.
– Heavy storms in New York City due to Debby caused street flooding.
– At least six deaths linked to the storm, with significant rescues in Florida.
– More than 155,000 customers remain without power in affected states.
– President Biden approved federal disaster assistance for the impacted regions.
**Detailed Overview**
**Savannah Evacuations and Flooding**
In one neighborhood of Savannah, firefighters used boats to evacuate residents and deliver essential supplies. Michael Jones recounted a distressing night as water surged into his home, forcing him to spend the night on his kitchen table before being rescued.
**Charleston’s Response**
Charleston’s Mayor William Cogswell noted that road closures have protected businesses and homes from further damage. The city is working to prevent any unnecessary high-water rescues.
**Forecast and Emergency Declarations**
Tropical Storm Debby, which made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, is expected to continue moving slowly, potentially bringing up to 15 inches of rain to parts of North and South Carolina. This rainfall could approach totals seen in past major floods. North Carolina and Virginia have both declared states of emergency in response.
**Damage and Power Outages**
Green Pond, South Carolina, reported over 14 inches of rain, leading to road washouts and damaged infrastructure. Tornadoes have caused additional destruction, with some areas experiencing significant flooding and damage to businesses and homes.
**Impact on New York City**
Heavy storms in New York City, intensified by Debby, caused street and expressway flooding, leading to stranded motorists and a flood watch for the city.
**Rescue and Recovery Efforts**
In Florida, over 500 people were rescued from flooded homes, with recovery efforts ongoing. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have warned of continuing challenges as floodwaters and damage assessments continue.
**Power and Federal Assistance**
Power outages affected more than 155,000 customers across Florida and Georgia, with federal disaster assistance approved for the affected states. Debby is forecasted to speed up and potentially impact North Carolina, Virginia, and the Washington area by the weekend.
