Tropical Storm Debby wreaked havoc across the East Coast on Wednesday, exacerbating already severe weather conditions and causing significant disruptions.
The storm, which has been drenching the Southeastern U.S. for days, intensified other systems as it moved north, resulting in heavy rain and widespread flooding from the Great Lakes to New Jersey.
In New Jersey, up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain fell within a few hours, leading to flooded highways and stranded motorists. The National Weather Service reported multiple water rescues in New York City and nearby areas, prompting officials to warn residents in basement apartments to be prepared for possible evacuations.
Power outages affected nearly 340,000 customers in Ohio due to the storm’s impact. Despite the widespread disruption, the heaviest rainfall from Debby has been in the South. A location near Lake City, Florida, reported a staggering 19.67 inches (50 centimeters) of rain.
Emergency officials report multiple water rescues and significant power outages amid relentless rainfall.In Georgia, the Cypress Lake Dam in Bulloch County is at risk of imminent failure, which could lead to severe flash flooding in downstream areas.
Meanwhile, South Carolina’s Governor Henry McMaster described the situation as being in the “second act” of a three-act weather event, with heavy rain expected to continue. The state has already seen damage to over 60 homes, though significant infrastructure impacts have so far been limited.
North Carolina and Virginia have declared states of emergency in anticipation of further rainfall. Southeastern North Carolina, still recovering from past hurricanes, could see up to 9 inches (23 centimeters) of rain, heightening concerns about flooding along rivers.
As Debby’s center moved over the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday afternoon, a second landfall was expected in either North or South Carolina by late Wednesday or early Thursday.
The storm, which initially made landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane, has claimed at least six lives, including fatalities from traffic accidents and fallen trees.
In Charleston, South Carolina, a curfew has been lifted, allowing residents to resume normal activities despite the persistent threat of flooding. Local businesses, including the Brown Dog Deli, are slowly returning to normal as the community begins to recover from the storm’s impacts.