Debby downgrades to tropical storm, but significant flood risk remains high for coastal South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Hurricane Debby was downgraded to a tropical storm Monday after making landfall near Florida’s Big Bend region as a category 1 storm.

The storm will trek across Florida and into southeast Georgia where Debby will reemerge over the Atlantic and off the South Carolina coast at a slow pace. This storm could impact us through the weekend.

Forecasters say potentially historic heavy rainfall across southeast Georgia and the coastal plain of South Carolina is expected through Saturday morning, which will result in considerable flooding.

Rain will begin spreading across the Lowcountry on Monday through much of Tuesday. “Extremely heavy rain, gusty wind, isolated tornadoes, and potentially severe flooding are threat,” said Storm Team 2 Meteorologist Josh Marthers.

EXPECTED LOCAL IMPACTS

HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING
Threat level: EXTREME

More than 10” of rain will fall across the Lowcountry through the end of the week. Severe flooding will be possible in some areas with significant damage to structures and roadways possible. Elevated tides and storm surge will worsen flooding along the coast.

TORNADOES
Threat Level: Elevated

Embedded thunderstorms will pose a risk of isolated tornadoes, particularly overnight Monday into early Tuesday.

HIGH WIND & POWER OUTAGES
Threat Level: Elevated

Gusts up to 50 mph will be possible, especially Tuesday through Thursday. With heavy rain and wet ground, there will be an increased threat of downed trees and power outages.

STORM SURGE
Threat Level: Elevated

Heavy rain and elevated tides will combine to increase the risk of flooding along the coast. As much as 2-4 feet of inundation will be possible along parts of our coast and along some tidal rivers and creeks through Thursday.