Tropical Storm Debby brings rough surf and strong winds to Wilmington, NC
On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, Tropical Storm Debby continued to bring rough surf and windy conditions to the region.
Following the second landfall of Tropical Storm Debby, additional National Weather Service advisories were issued this morning, August 8, for northeastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina.
According to the NWS, flash flooding was the biggest concern in both areas, as roads could be impassable and flooding could occur. Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency for North Carolina on Monday as heavy rains, flooding and power outages were forecast with Debby.
“More than 350 North Carolina National Guard soldiers and airmen have been activated, and swift water rescue teams are on standby across the state,” Cooper’s office said in a press release. “The State Emergency Response Team has deployed personnel and equipment to provide assistance to local communities as quickly as possible, including supplies such as water, sandbags, tarps and water pumps.”
From USA TODAY: Tropical Storm Debby ravages North Carolina; death toll rises to 7: Live updates
More: Tropical Storm Debby rainfall amounts for NC, SC, Georgia through Wednesday morning, August 7
When did Tropical Storm Debby hit North Carolina?
A 2 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center said Debby made landfall for a second time early Thursday morning near Bulls Bay, less than 30 miles northeast of Charleston, South Carolina. Maximum sustained winds were up to 50 mph.
Debby continued to move through Florida’s Big Bend region on Monday, then across Georgia and along the Atlantic coast. The storm is expected to bring up to 8 inches of rain on Thursday and Friday, with up to 15 inches possible in parts of the Carolinas and Virginia.
More: Jim Cantore is in Charleston, not a good sign as up to 30 inches of rain is forecast there
Tornadoes a problem
North Carolina Emergency Management posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that a tornado warning is in effect for most of central and eastern North Carolina, meaning conditions are favorable for tornadoes.
“Over 20 tornado warnings have been issued since midnight Thursday and more warnings will likely be needed today,” the post continued. A tornado warning is issued by a local National Weather Service to warn the public of an existing tornado.
Power outages in North Carolina
USA TODAY reported this morning that in North Carolina alone, nearly 130,000 homes and businesses were without power shortly after 9 a.m. this morning following Debby’s second landfall.
The network’s Power Outage Tracker showed the highest outage frequencies in four counties in central North Carolina:
More: Severe flooding caused by glacier eruption damages over 100 homes in Alaska’s capital
Debby influence on the North Carolina coast
Dangerous ocean conditions continue along the North Carolina coast with strong winds, rough surf, and strong rip currents. Storm surge is still expected, with flooding 12-36 inches above ground possible, with mostly minor impacts.
Tropical storm force winds are expected, particularly in eastern parts of southeastern North Carolina. Downed trees and additional power outages are possible. Isolated tornadoes are possible in some parts of southeastern North Carolina, but the probability decreases after the morning hours.
More: Nearly 400,000 people in northeast Ohio without power due to severe weather and tornado warnings
Will Tropical Storm Debby hit Asheville in western North Carolina?
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to be scattered in the Asheville area today, with cloudy weather throughout the day and a 60% chance of precipitation overall, according to the NWS. North winds of 5 to 10 mph and gusts up to 20 mph are forecast. Rainfall between a quarter and a half inch is expected.
Storms and rain are expected to recede by Saturday, and clear and partly cloudy weather is expected throughout the weekend.
More: What is a tropical wave? How tropical waves affect the weather
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
