Tropical Storm Debby expected to bring heavy rain, significant flooding to Charleston area

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A storm surge warning is active for much of the South Carolina coast due to potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby.

Debby is expected to become a hurricane Sunday night and make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Monday.  

“Overall, the thinking is the same. This will be a significant weather event for us, especially in the rain department. Rainfall totals could rival or exceed those recorded in October of 2015,” said Storm Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler.

The National Hurricane Center warned that potentially historic rainfall could result in major flooding across southeast Georgia and South Carolina through Friday morning.

Forecasters say dangerous storm surge and wind impacts are expected along portions of the southeast U.S. coast from northeastern Florida to North Carolina through the middle of the week.

A tropical storm watch is also active for much of the South Carolina coast.

Tropical storm force winds are likely. Expect 20-30 mph with gusts to 40 mph, but speeds could increase depending on the storm’s strength, location, and timing.

A flood watch is in effect for the Charleston area. Forecasters says peak rainfall amount are estimated between 12-18 inches with locally higher amounts.

“Stay tuned for future updates as we will get a better idea of intensity after landfall. There is still a possibility Debby could spend some time in the Atlantic Ocean and get stronger again,” said Fowler.