Tropical Storm Debby Makes 2nd US Landfall

Destruction caused by tornadoes generated by storm Debby, Aug. 7, 2024. Photo: X/ @HolyCitySinner

August 8, 2024 Hour: 10:53 am

President Biden has approved disaster declarations for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

In the early hours of Thursday, tropical storm Debby made its second landfall in the United States and continued to move northward, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

Debby landed near Bulls Bay in South Carolina as a Category 1 hurricane with a maximum sustained wind speed of 50 miles per hour and moved slowly inland with a speed of around 5 miles per hour.

The tropical storm first landed near the coastal town of Steinhatchee in Florida on Monday and has dumped over a foot of rain over parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, killing at least six people.

Debby is expected to pick up speed and move across the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Northeast on Friday and Atlantic Canada on Saturday, according to the latest NHC advisory.

As we feel the effects of Tropical Storm Debby today, we are reminded of the brave men and women who are on the front lines restoring power. If you are ready to become a real-life hero, sign up while we are still able to offer this training for $750. https://t.co/4S5UalRNlf pic.twitter.com/WlwRal3qfs
— Richmond Community College (@RichmondCCedu) August 8, 2024

A large tornado in central North Carolina was confirmed shortly after Debby’s second landing. Debby is expected to dump an additional three to nine inches of rain, and flash flood warnings have been issued for parts of South Carolina and North Carolina until noon on Thursday.

WCBD-TV Charleston reported that the National Weather Service (NWS) had detected six tornadoes spawned by Debby’s outer rain bands since Monday.

“Forecasters said an EF-0 tornado touched down on Kiawah Island, and another spun through Ladys Island which was an EF-0. The Moncks Corner tornado that obliterated an Arbys and damaged the Walmart was an EF-1. Later Tuesday night, NWS “said an EF-1 made landfall on Isle of Palms and an EF-0 spun through West Ashley,” WCBD-TV Charleston stated.

U.S. President Joe Biden has approved disaster declarations for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina to deal with Debby’s impacts.