Storm Debby is poised to unleash historic levels of rainfall and flooding across northern Florida, coastal Georgia, South Carolina, and parts of North Carolina. Meteorologists predict that as much as 30 inches of rain could accumulate in some regions, while widespread rainfall is expected to reach up to 20 inches. This powerful storm made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane along the Big Bend coast of Florida early Monday, leaving a trail of destruction.
The small community of Steinhatchee was the first to experience the storm's wrath, reporting significant damage to homes and businesses, alongside rising floodwaters. Tragically, the hurricane has already resulted in six fatalities and widespread power outages across Florida and Georgia. As the situation unfolds, experts warn that the worst may still be ahead, as the storm system is anticipated to stall over the Southeast region, exacerbating the flooding and rainfall hazards.
Debby was downgraded to a tropical storm on Monday afternoon, but its potential for record-breaking rainfall remains a serious concern. Although initially categorized as a Category 1 hurricane, experts like Jeff Masters, founder of Weather Underground and now with Yale Climate Connections, suggest that it could warrant a rating akin to a Category 3 or 4 when considering the rainfall impacts alone. This unprecedented situation raises alarms for residents in northern Florida and low-lying areas such as Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head Island, and Charleston, South Carolina, who are expected to endure the most severe flooding.
Officials in Savannah have cautioned that the region could experience a month's worth of rain in just four days if the storm stalls. The National Hurricane Center also issued warnings for Tybee Island, Georgia's largest public beach, where additional flooding concerns arise, predicting 2 to 4 feet of storm surge on top of the torrential downpours.
Hilton Head Island Mayor Alan Perry has indicated that authorities are taking the situation seriously, preparing for the worst. He stated, "We don’t know how much rain is going to fall. But we have to prepare for the worst. If that happens, we will see an event we have never seen on Hilton Head before." Hilton Head Island has declared a State of Emergency as a precaution.
Charleston County Interim Emergency Director Ben Webster has described Debby as a "historic and potentially unprecedented event," further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The storm's stall is attributed to high-pressure areas to the west and northeast, which have effectively "pinned" the storm in place. This means that its slow movement, at a mere 3 to 5 miles per hour, will result in prolonged exposure to intense rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flash flooding and significant rainfall totals.
Warming waters in the northeast Gulf of Mexico are contributing to the heavy rains associated with Hurricane Debby, as increased moisture evaporates from the ocean surface. Jeff Masters noted that climate change could be affecting the forward motion of hurricanes, causing them to slow down. "It’s something we’ve been seeing more of lately," he said. The heaviest rainfall is predicted to occur during the early part of the week, but it could linger until Sunday, according to meteorological forecasts.
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