Tropical Storm Debby: South Carolina hit with over a foot of rain as Florida contends with deadly hazards
At least five people are dead amid devastating rain and flooding from Tropical Storm Debby
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Tropical Storm Debby slowed over South Carolina Tuesday, bringing over a foot of rain and heavy flooding to the region as Florida reeled from the deadly after-effects of the storm.
Debby, which was downgraded from a Category 1 hurricane, crossed the Florida-Georgia border late Monday. Green Pond, South Carolina recorded more than 14 inches of rainfall on Tuesday as the storm hovered off the state’s coast.
Meanwhile, tornadoes wreaked havoc on the state. One tornado wiped out power lines and damaged homes on Edisto Beach, while another likely tornado caused damage on Isle of Palms, the South Carolina Daily Gazette reported.
Florida is also reeling from Debby. “Deadly” hazards remained a threat to Sunshine State residents on Tuesday, the National Weather Service said. The dangers included downed power lines, continued flooding and heat stroke amid widespread power outages.
Florida officials are also warning residents to properly ventilate rooms with generators to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
At least five people have been killed by the storm, which is expected to strengthen while hovering off the South Carolina coast on Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.
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Urgent warning over ‘significant risk’ of flash floods
The National Hurricane Center has put out an urgent warning over the “significant risk” of flash floods across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
The notice came during its 5am EDT Tropical Storm Debby public advisory notice.
It added that the Center of Debby is expected to move offshore the Georgia coast later on Tuesday.
Flash flooding is expected to continue across parts of Southeastern US for the coming days.
Latest pictures: Tropical Storm Debbie batters parts of Florida and Georgia
Mid-Atlantic through to New England could succumb to ‘considerable flash flooding’
Parts of the Mid-Atlantic could succumb to flash floods by Sunday morning, the National Hurricane Center has said in a a 5am ET key message briefing on Tuesday.
“Heavy rainfall will likely result in flooding impacts from northern North Carolina through portions of Mid-Atlantic States and southern New England through Sunday morning,” it read.
Parts of North Carolina can expect up to 12 inches of rainfall which may result in “considerable flash and urban flooding” along with possible river flooding.
‘Extreme rainfall’ could see surge in evacuation and rescue efforts in Georgia
“Extreme rainfall” could prompt a surge of evacuation and rescue efforts in parts of Georgia, that National Hurricane Center said on Tuesday morning.
The 5.24am notice added that some structures could become uninhabitable and, in worst the instances, could be totally washed away. Brutal winds could cause damage to properties and blow away light objects which aren’t tethered down.
Driving conditions “remain dangerous” in the state, the noticed added. It warned that bridges may have become weakened or could be washed out.
Watch: Police helicopter shows Hillsborough underwater after devastating floods
‘Life-threatening’ storm surge expected across Georgia and South Carolina coasts
Pictured: Thousands of linemen assembled to repair storm-battered Florida
Prior to the arrival of Tropical Storm Debby, Florida coordinated with over 17,000 power line repair technicians to be in place once the extreme weather made landfall.
Bryan Griffin, of the governor’s office, shared a photo of the effort.
Tracking Tropical Storm Debby: Rainfall, wind, flooding and storm surge
Tornado warning issued to 2m North Carolina and South Carolina residents
A new National Weather Service tornado watch warning has been issued for parts of North Carolina and South Carolina on Tuesday morning.
Almost 2 million residents are susceptible to potential tornado exposure including 402 schools and 39 hospitals in an area which stretches from Charleston, SC, to Burgaw, NC, the announcement said.
Half-inch hail stones could also pelt the two states along with gusts of up to 70mph.
The alert is valid until 5pm ET on Tuesday.
Cars flipped and Walmart shopping carts ‘flying in air’ after suspected South Carolina tornado
A possible tornado allegedly caused cars to flip over and Walmart shopping carts to “fly in the air” in South Carolina.
Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas Hamilton Jr claimed that a tornado struck near Highway 52 in the Berkeley County town early on Tuesday morning.
“We had minor injuries from the glass at Walmart,” he told local news station Live 5 News.
He added that “shopping carts were flying in the air” around one local resident who he said sustained minor injuries.
Hamilton also said that an RV was seen flipped as local fire services and police responded to the scene who are working on so-called hurricane shifts.
Pictures taken by the mayor and obtained by WCBD-TV show two damaged white pick-up trucks – one flipped completely upside down on top of the other.
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