Deadly Tropical Storm Debby Weakens from Hurricane; Moves from Florida to Georgia
The aftermath of a devastating storm is emerging as Tropical Storm Debby, initially a hurricane, Limps across southeastern United States after lashing the Florida coast and then shifting northwards into Georgia. The once category 1 hurricane has now succumbed to a weak tropical storm, much to everyone’s relief.
Tropical Storm Debby Update
As of early Tuesday, Debby has markedly weakened as it moves from Florida to Georgia. The tropical storm, born as a hurricane, made landfall on Monday, bringing strong winds and torrential rains causing flooding and destruction in its wake. The storm is expected to traverse slowly through southeastern Georgia on Tuesday.
Historic rainfall
The coming days could witness Debby dumping potentially historical amounts of rain resulting in catastrophic flooding. Recent years have seen tropical systems slow down their pace, leading to enhanced rainfall totals. Debby is another feather in that hat.
Deadly Storm: Death Toll
So far, the storm has claimed at least four lives in Florida: one casualty due to a fallen tree, one from a fatal accident on a drenched road, and two from a single-vehicle wreckage. Another person was reported dead in Georgia, falling prey to a toppled tree.
Climate Change Influence
The rapid intensification of Debby as it passed through near-record warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico emphasizes the role of climate change in shaping such calamitous events. Global warming, largely due to fossil fuel pollution, causes wetter and stronger storms inherently.
Tornado Threat
The Carolinas, including Charleston, have been put on tornado watch by the Storm Prediction Center. The alarm encompasses more than 1.9 million people residing in coastal South Carolina and North Carolina. On Monday night, Debby spawned at least two tornadoes in parts of South Carolina.
Damages and Flooding in Wake
Early Tuesday bore witness to damages and destruction in Moncks Corner, South Carolina—a possible tornado spawned by Debby devastated the area. The aftermath of the storm has left buildings destroyed and cars overturned, with the only reported injuries being minor scrapes and cuts.
Georgia Braces for Impact
Debby, although downgraded to a tropical storm, continues its havoc as it begins to deluge Georgia. The mayor of Savannah, Georgia, has expressed concerns as the city prepares for a catastrophic event of rainfall and flooding. “Parts of this city will be underwater days from now,” said Mayor Van Johnson.
The Week Ahead
The system is projected to move slowly across southeastern Georgia until afternoon, after which it will move towards South Carolina. Despite its decreasing wind speeds, the tropical storm still poses a major threat with torrential, flooding rainfall expected to last the whole week.
Emergency Measures
Emergency declarations have been approved by President Joe Biden for states in the storm’s trajectory, including Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Furthermore, search and rescue missions are underway by ground authorities and National Guard troops have been deployed to assist with the continuing relief efforts.
Power Outages
Power outages are another worry for people in the storm-affected regions. Currently, there are more than 150,000 homes and businesses without power in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. The power outage situation in Georgia and South Carolina is expected to rise as the storm moves through these states.
