Tropical Storm Debby continues to impact the Southeastern United States with its center hovering over the Atlantic Ocean. As of the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center, Debby is maintaining 40 mph winds and moving slowly eastward at about 5 mph.
The forecast indicates that Debby will gradually shift east and then north through Thursday night. The storm is expected to move away from the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina, drift offshore, and make landfall over South Carolina on Thursday.
While some strengthening is anticipated on Wednesday, Debby is not forecasted to reach hurricane status again. However, the storm poses risks of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and potential tornadoes across the Southeast on Wednesday.
Eastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina are bracing for potentially historic rainfall storm totals, with projections of 10 to 20 inches and isolated areas possibly receiving up to 25 inches. Southeastern Georgia may experience an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain.
Other regions, including the remainder of South Carolina, southwestern Virginia, parts of the mid-Atlantic, New York, and northern New England, could see rainfall amounts ranging from 3 to 6 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 8 inches by Saturday.
Current watches and warnings in effect include a storm surge watch from north of the South Santee River in South Carolina to Cape Fear, North Carolina. Additionally, a tropical storm warning is in place from the mouth of the Savannah River to Surf City, North Carolina, with a tropical storm watch extending from Surf City to Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina.
