Torrential rain, flooding likely in Carolinas this week
By Cassidy Johncox
Updated: Aug. 6, 2024 at 5:30 AM EDT
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A State of Emergency was activated in North Carolina Monday afternoon in anticipation of severe weather brought on by Tropical Storm Debby.
The emergency declaration was made the day before potentially historic rainfall, and subsequent flooding, was expected to reach the Carolinas. Tropical Storm Debby first touched down as a Category 1 Hurricane in Florida the morning of Monday, Aug. 5, and was forecast to slowly move north and east along the coast through the rest of the week.
A State of Emergency was declared for South Carolina over the weekend.
More rain was expected in South Carolina this week than in North Carolina -- though both states could receive record-breaking amounts of rainfall between Tuesday, Aug. 6 and Saturday, Aug. 10. Tropical-storm-force winds were projected to reach North Carolina by Wednesday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center. State officials said wind gusts of up to 40 mph were possible in the state.
“The governor and NC Emergency Management officials are urging North Carolinians to be safe and cautious during heavy rainfall and winds, and to expect flooding and power outages as a strong weather system will impact the state starting Tuesday through the end of the week,” a press release from the governor’s office read Monday. “Damaging winds and saturated soils might also lead to blown down trees and power lines, causing possible scattered to widespread power outages.”
North Carolina storm forecast
Flash flooding and riverine flooding were possible in North Carolina this week. Communities along the southern North Carolina coast, including Wilmington, could receive as much as 12-16 inches of rain by Saturday. Much of the southeastern portion of the state was projected to see around 8-12 inches.
“Debby is expected to produce rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches, with maximum amounts of 18 inches, across portions of central and northern Florida as well as central and northeast North Carolina through Wednesday morning,” the National Hurricane Center writes. “This rainfall will likely result in areas of considerable flash and urban flooding, with significant river flooding expected.”
Areas a bit more north and west will likely see less rain. Charlotte, for example, could get around 4-6 inches of rain this week. Less rain is expected the further east you go.
Our meteorologists have issued a First Alert for Thursday and Friday this week as Tropical Storm Debby crosses our area. Lighter rain is expected Tuesday in the Charlotte Metro, while heavier rain, flooding, and torrential downpours will become possible Wednesday and especially on Thursday. Heavy rain is still likely Friday, but may not be torrential.
Even more rain possible in South Carolina
The National Hurricane Center predicts that rain from Tropical Storm Debby will be heaviest along the South Carolina coast from Charleston to Savannah, Georgia. Areas between Charleston and Savannah could see 20-30 inches of rain by Saturday, Aug. 10.
South Carolina communities west and north of the coast are also expected to receive a significant amount of rain in the coming days. Communities just outside Charleston could see 16-20 inches of rain, while those near the center of the state could see anywhere from 8-16 inches of rain.
“Across portions of southeast Georgia, the coastal plain of South Carolina, and southeast North Carolina, 10 to 20 inches of rainfall, with local amounts to 30 inches, are expected through Saturday morning. This potentially historic rainfall will likely result in areas of catastrophic flooding,” according to the National Hurricane Center.
According to Kim Stenson, director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the anticipated rainfall would set new records for the state. The many inches of rain could lead to flooding and flash flooding in the state.
“The heavy rains and flooding currently predicted this week are historic in scope and scale. Our experts with the National Hurricane Center believe flooding to be catastrophic for many parts of South Carolina,” Stenson said in a statement Monday. “Take no chances with this storm.”
---> Tropical Storm Debby may bring ‘catastrophic’ flooding to South Carolina amid ‘multiday deluge’
Parts of western South Carolina should see less rain than the coast. About 1-4 inches of rain are possible for those furthest west, while the western-central portion of the state could receive 4-12 inches.
Emergency preparedness tips
North Carolina residents are urged to take the following steps, as shared by the governor’s office Monday:
- Have multiple ways to receive emergency info, including watches and warnings. Make sure emergency alerts are enabled on your cell phone and download a weather app.
- Have an emergency plan. Know where you would go if you need to evacuate. Make a plan to stay with family, friends or at a hotel. Public shelters should be a last resort.
- Gather some emergency supplies or refresh your emergency kit. Visit ReadyNC.gov for info on how to build an emergency kit.
- Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades.
- Make sure you know where to seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued for your area.
- Ensure that you have multiple ways to receive warnings, especially with the potential for severe storms to be moving through during nighttime hours.
- Check to see if your community offers emergency alert services for its residents.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
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