Tropical storm watch issued for South Carolina coast; Debby expected to dump heavy rain this week

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A tropical storm watch and storm surge watch are in effect for much of the South Carolina coast ahead of potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby.

The watches specifically include coastal Colleton, Charleston, and Berkeley counties.

Wind gusts up to 55 mph are possible beginning Monday afternoon through Thursday. Storm surge flooding of greater than two feet is possible beginning Monday afternoon and with each high tide through Thursday.

The storm is located in the southern Gulf of Mexico where it is expected to strengthen some before making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region by early Monday morning. Debby is forecast to trek across southern Georgia and possibly reemerge in the Atlantic and off the South Carolina coast.

Tropical Storm Debby could produce rainfall totals of 10 to 20 inches across portions of southeast Georgia and South Carolina, with local amounts to 30 inches, possible through Friday morning. 

“This potentially historic rainfall will likely result in areas of severe and widespread flash and urban flooding, with significant river flooding expected,” said Storm Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Rob Fowler.

“The official NHC forecast has Debby making landfall at 85 mph in Florida. That could be higher, which in turn could create stronger winds for us down the road if it takes longer for Debby to wind down,” Fowler said.

Count on News 2 and Storm Team 2 for updates.