Tropical Storm Debby continues to crawl slowly across South Carolina, expected to reenter Atlantic

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- The threat of potentially “catastrophic” flooding remains in the Lowcountry as Tropical Storm Debby continues its slow crawl along the South Carolina coast.

The storm’s center was located about 70 miles southwest of Charleston at 5 p.m., moving east-northeast at 3 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisory.

It has maximum sustained winds of nearly 40 mph with some higher gusts. A tropical storm warning remains in effect.

The storm is expected to move offshore the coast of Georgia and South Carolina by Tuesday night where it will linger for a few days.

“Once that happens, we think it’s going to meander for a couple of days and that will increase our rain threat as we see the back side of the storm come on through as well,” Storm Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler said.

It is then forecast to move back inland and make another landfall in South Carolina on Thursday morning. While it could strengthen some, Fowler said he does not think the storm will get far enough offshore to tap into the warm air and warm water in the Gulf Stream.

Pockets of showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue through Friday morning.

Storm Team 2 Vipir Radar shows that an estimated 5 inches to 14 inches of precipitation has fallen across the Lowcountry in the past 24 hours, with Edisto and Wadmalaw seeing the highest rainfall totals.

Another 3 to 5 inches of rain is estimated to fall in the next 48 hours.

Additionally, tornado watches are in effect for Georgetown and Williamsburg counties until 1 a.m. as storms capable of producing a tornado have been observed.