Rain totals updated Wednesday for areas in storm’s path
By Cassidy Johncox
Updated: Aug. 8, 2024 at 6:00 AM EDT
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The amount and location of rainfall across the Carolinas amid Tropical Storm Debby this week slightly shifted as of Thursday morning.
The National Hurricane Center on Thursday, Aug. 8 released updated projections of rain totals and Tropical Storm Debby’s trajectory for the next few days. The storm was churning over the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday and made a second landfall in the Carolinas early Thursday morning.
Rain totals near 30 inches were initially possible in South Carolina near Charleston, according to the National Hurricane Center. Those totals have shifted somewhat as of Thursday, including for other areas.
Here’s what to expect from Tropical Storm Debby, as of data provided Thursday.
Parts of North, South Carolina to see most rain
Southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina were projected to see the most rain on Thursday and Friday -- though central Virginia could also see significant rainfall.
Parts of northeast South Carolina could see more than 20 inches of rain by Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center.
“Debby is expected to produce an additional 3 to 6 inches of rainfall with locally higher amounts, across portions of southeastern North Carolina leading to maximum storm total amounts as high as 15 inches. Additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches over portions of eastern South Carolina will bring maximum storm total amounts as high as 20 to 25 inches,” the National Hurricane Center writes.
Southeast North Carolina near the South Carolina border could receive anywhere from 6-15 inches of rain as the storm moves through, according to a graphic published by the hurricane center. Areas near the Charlotte Metro -- like Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, and York counties -- could see 4-6 inches of rain in the coming days.
Communities along the southeast North Carolina coast could receive anywhere from 4-12 inches of rain by Saturday night. Much of the southeastern portion of the state is projected to see around 6-8 inches.
Rainfall estimates shared in the hurricane center’s graphic -- shown below -- may be lower than actual local rainfall totals, officials said.
The western parts of the Carolinas should see much less rain this week.
---> School closures: Charlotte Metro districts cancel 1st day of class amid Tropical Storm Debby
Flood warnings active for some counties
Flood warnings have been issued for two Charlotte-area counties in North Carolina and two in South Carolina as Tropical Storm Debby moves through the region Thursday.
Flood warnings were issued for Anson and Stanly counties in North Carolina starting Thursday afternoon, and lasting until early Saturday morning. There, the Rocky River was at risk of flooding.
- The river had reached 10 feet in height as of 6:45 a.m. Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, minor flooding begins at 20 feet, moderate flooding begins at 30 feet, and major flooding begins when the river reaches 34 feet. Pastures and lowlands near the river are at the most risk.
Flood warnings were issued for Chesterfield and Lancaster counties in South Carolina starting Thursday and Friday, respectively, due to potentially historic rain totals that could cause flooding.
- In Chesterfield County, a flood warning will be active starting Thursday evening, and will last “until further notice,” the National Weather Service reports. The Pee Dee River was particularly at risk for flooding.
- In Lancaster County, a flood warning will be active starting late Friday night, and will also last until further notice. The Wateree River was at risk of flooding -- including in, but not limited to, Lancaster County.
See the full flood warning alerts here.
Chesterfield and Lancaster counties in South Carolina were specifically at risk of flooding due to excessive rainfall. Flooding of streets, rivers, creeks, streams, and other “low-lying and flood-prone locations” will be possible, the National Weather Service reports.
Flash flood warnings also active across Charlotte Metro
Flash flooding is a particular concern in the Carolinas this week. Flash flooding happens at a quicker rate, and typically dissipates faster than regular flooding events, experts say.
According to Kim Stenson, director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the anticipated rainfall could 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.”
The following local North Carolina counties were under a flash flood warning as of Thursday:
- Mecklenburg
- Anson
- Cabarrus
- Gaston
- Iredell
- Lincoln
- Richmond
- Rowan
- Stanly
- Union
The following local South Carolina counties were under a flash flood warning as of Thursday:
- Chester
- Lancaster
- York
Weather alerts and warnings were likely active for many other counties in the Carolinas outside of our region.
Flood watches issued
Flood watches were also active for several counties in North Carolina and South Carolina near the Charlotte Metro area due to the storm. Flood watches are issued when flooding is possible, while flood warnings are issued when flooding is happening or about to happen.
The following local North Carolina counties were under a flood watch as of Thursday:
- Alexander
- Ashe
- Cabarrus
- Catawba
- Gaston
- Iredell
- Lincoln
- Mecklenburg
- Rowan
- Union
The following local South Carolina counties were under a flood watch as of Thursday:
- Chesterfield
- York
See all the alerts in full here.
Storm surge risk
While flooding is a risk across the entire region, storm surge flooding is a particular concern along the coast of the Carolinas.
Both North and South Carolina are at risk of seeing 1-3 feet of storm surge above ground, according to details posted Wednesday.
What is storm surge?
Storm surge is an unusually high water level caused by a storm. Storm surge can cause ocean waters to move much further inland than normal, depending on the severity of the storm.
Storm surge happens because the “wind circulation around the eye of a hurricane causes a vertical circulation in the ocean,” according to the National Hurricane Center. When the storm reaches shallow water near the coast, the water can’t move downward due to the vertical circulation, which forces the water to move upward and inland, officials said.
Storm surge can travel up rivers and canals , bringing the water well inland, the NHC says. The leading cause of fatalities during hurricanes is storm surge.
Emergency preparedness tips
A State of Emergency was declared for South Carolina before the storm touched down as a hurricane on Monday. A State of Emergency was also active in North Carolina, as of Monday.
People in Debby’s path are urged to take the following steps, as shared by the North Carolina 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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