Debby is the tropical system that won't stop giving – from record rainfall to flash flooding and severe weather, the former hurricane keeps going as it meanders up the East Coast. As of Friday, Debby has claimed at least eight lives and flooded dozens of neighborhoods. The threat of collapsing roads and breaching dams are a major concern into next week as river levels keep climbing.
Debby fed gushing rain over parts of South Carolina overnight, prompting dozens of water rescues north of Charleston, according to local officials. There were at least 26 water rescues in Berkeley County as of Friday morning. Most were around Moncks Corner, about 30 miles north of Charleston, where a rare flash flood emergency was issued.
AVOID THE AREA: I-26 near Ridgeland
— SCDOT (@SCDOTPress) August 9, 2024
Following additional significant rainfall overnight, I-26 in both directions near MM 189 east of Cypress Campground overpass is currently flooded. Law enforcement is actively working to move traffic out of the roadway. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/jrIJkVpPOn
The area received almost 9 inches of rain in six hours, with 2 to 3 feet of fast-moving water on roads, the National Weather Service said. No serious injuries were reported. Roadways in and around the area remained seriously flooded Friday morning. I-26 East to Charleston is CLOSED from mile marker 189 to 197.
Click here: for the latest road closures or traffic issues due to flooding
Heavy rain continued to stream north on Friday, after Debby dropped more than 20 inches of rain in Florida and 15 inches in North and South Carolina. And so far, over 10 inches of rain was reported Friday morning in Virginia and West Virginia.
State emergency officials will be looking at several rivers that are at risk for flooding, mainly in the Pee Dee region and near Charleston. Those areas saw heavy rain but will also be dealing with water moving down from rivers in North Carolina that received flooding.
Major flooding is forecast for several rivers in South Carolina over the next several weeks.
Debby also spawned several tornadoes, at least one deadly, as it brought torrential rainfall to Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, leaving extensive flooding and overwhelmed communities in its wake.
🌀🌪️Debby's Tornado Warnings🌪️🌀
— Live Storm Chasers (@LiveStormChaser) August 8, 2024
Debby has been VERY BUSY spitting out Tornado Warnings! As of today, Aug 8, there has been at least 141 red boxes and more will likely be added! pic.twitter.com/b1lBWcpHeY
As folks get out and about to begin the clean up process this weekend, humidity and temperatures are increasing across South Carolina and heat alerts are in effect, making efforts more difficult.
An Excessive Heat Risk is issued when we are expecting several days of heat index values over 105 OR heat index values on any one day are getting to near or above 115 degrees. Prolonged exposure to this type of heat can quickly lead to heat stroke or exhaustion.
Make sure to avoid prolonged time outside, especially during the early afternoon through early evening when heat index values reach their peak levels.
Debby lost its tropical status Friday but it’s still a potent storm, triggering additional tornado and flood warnings for the Washington, DC area and a flash flood emergency with more water rescues in South Carolina. Most of the Atlantic Seaboard has been impacted by Debby since it made its first landfall in Florida on Monday.
Residents in South Carolina who have questions about Debby can now call the state’s toll-free hotline. Operators with the State’s Public Information Phone System are available 24 hours a day for as long as needed. If you have questions about the state’s response or safety precautions you should take, call this hotline: 1-866-246-0133.