How Debby will impact the Carolinas, and when

CHARLOTTE — Hurricane Debby made landfall Monday in northern Florida as a Category 1 storm.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said Debby has maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm made landfall in Steinhatchee, a tiny community of less than 1,000 residents in the Big Bend area of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

VIDEO BELOW: Tuesday morning’s forecast

TRACKING: Tropical Storm Debby Tuesday morning update

Though it made landfall in one of the least populated areas of Florida, forecasters warned heavy rain could spawn catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. A tornado watch also was in effect for parts of Florida and Georgia on Monday.

Here in the Carolinas, we’ll be looking out for Debby’s remnants this week.

After the storm batters Florida, its remnants will move up over Georgia and the Carolinas, according to Severe Weather Center 9. Some areas could see nearly 2 feet of rain.

We will not be getting anywhere close to that much rain near Charlotte, but some steadier downpours are possible from Debby later this week. It all depends on where the storm ends up.

The first outer band of rain from Debby pushed into our far southern counties Tuesday morning, but no major rain and no flooding concerns are expected yet. It’s the same story Wednesday with maybe a slight reduction in the rain threat area as Debby meanders toward the coast.

The bigger rain threat comes our way by Thursday as Debby starts to move north. It’s looking more likely that areas along and east of Interstate 77 will have some flooding risk by Thursday and Friday.

The highest probability of flooding is for our southeastern counties (Monroe to Chesterfield and Rockingham counties.) These could get more than 7 inches of rain through Saturday morning. Amounts are likely to range from 2 to 4 inches across Charlotte and that may lead to some flooding issues of our own.

Just our far eastern areas are under flood watches, but that will likely change Wednesday.

Pay attention to the updates over the next few days because this forecast could change dramatically.

NC governor declares State of Emergency

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is preparing for possible flooding, strong winds, and downed trees.

More than 2,000 employees statewide are gearing up to respond if needed with 1,500 chainsaws and trucks and 600 backhoes, graders, and front-end loaders. They are also urging drivers to reschedule any travel plans that would put them in the path of the storm until it has moved on.

N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper signed declared a State of Emergency because Tropical Storm Debby has the potential for life-threatening flash flooding, riverine flooding, wind gusts up to 40 mph, coastal impacts, and other effects.

“This weather has the potential to bring intense rain and flooding to North Carolina and we are preparing for it,” Cooper said. “As the weather becomes more severe, I urge everyone to take precautions and stay safe.”

The order allows for the state Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety to help ensure the movement of utility vehicles to eliminate power outages, vehicles carrying essential supplies such as food, medicine and fuel or transporting livestock, poultry, and crops.

SC governor declares State of Emergency

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency in the Palmetto State ahead of Debby.

McMaster issued the executive order Sunday and asked South Carolinians to take proper precautions ahead of the storm.

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 52

Hurricane Debby CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA - AUGUST 05: Christy Hatcher checks on her neighborhood as high winds, rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby inundate the area on August 05, 2024, in Cedar Key, Florida. Hurricane Debby brings rain storms and high winds along Florida’s Big Bend area. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

“Team South Carolina is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby and has begun preparing for its potential impact on our state,” McMaster said in a statement. “With a potentially significant rainfall event forecast for the next few days, it is critical that residents in potentially affected areas start making preparations and plans today—in case it is necessary to take quick action.”

The storm is expected to slow down, impacting South Carolina early this week, reads a news release from the governor’s office. It will bring heavy rain resulting in life-threatening flash flooding as well as urban and river flooding. Strong winds and storm surges can also be expected.

On Saturday, McMaster posted on social media that South Carolina would provide assistance to Florida.

In the post on X, formerly Twitter, McMaster said the state’s National Guard would activate 70 service members, deploy 30 high-water vehicles, and provide additional resources as needed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

(WATCH BELOW: Severe storms, microburst hit North Carolina Foothills)

Severe storms, microburst hit North Carolina Foothills

©2024 Cox Media Group