Severe Weather Alert: Storm Debbie Causes Catastrophic Flooding in Southeastern US
Coastal areas of northern Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, along with parts of North Carolina, are bracing for heavy rainfall and catastrophic flooding this week as Storm Debbie moves eastward. The storm made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, causing widespread damage and power outages in its path.
Expected Rainfall and Impacts
Forecasters are predicting up to 20 inches of rain in the Southeast, with some areas possibly seeing up to 30 inches, breaking records set during Hurricane Florence in 2018. Despite being classified as a Category 1 storm, Debbie’s rainfall impacts are comparable to a Category 3 or 4 hurricane, according to weather experts.
Areas at Risk and Potential Dangers
The worst flooding is expected in northern Florida, Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head Island, and Charleston, South Carolina. Officials are warning of potential historic flooding events, with some areas expecting a month’s worth of rain in just a few days. The storm’s slow movement and heavy rain pose significant risks to low-lying areas and coastal communities.
Experts attribute the storm’s stalling to an area of high pressure, which has anchored Debbie over the region. Climate warming is also a key factor in the severity of storm surges, with warming waters in the Gulf of Mexico intensifying the storm’s heavy rains. The slow movement of the storm increases the likelihood of flash flooding and record-breaking rainfall totals.
Forecasters anticipate the heaviest rain to continue through the week, with potential impacts extending into the weekend. Stakeholders and residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed and prepared for continued severe weather conditions.
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