Tropical Storm Debby Wreaks Havoc: Six Dead, Severe Floods Expected

Tropical Storm Debby made landfall early Thursday on the South Carolina coast, bringing heavy rainfall and causing severe flooding concerns in the already soaked region. The storm, which started as a Category 1 hurricane on Florida's Gulf Coast, has resulted in six deaths. Emergency declarations are in effect in the Carolinas, Florida, and Georgia.

Tropical Storm Debby made landfall early Thursday on the South Carolina coast, unleashing more rain and heightening flash flooding fears in areas already soaked by the slow-moving weather system. Forecasters warned that the storm could dump an additional 9 inches of rain in parts of eastern South Carolina, potentially exceeding 25 inches in total accumulative rainfall since Monday.

While Wednesday saw a slight reprieve, meteorologist Rich Bann from the National Weather Service emphasized that Thursday would be different. 'Moisture has pulsed back into Debby,' Bann stated, noting that the storm gathered strength over the Atlantic Ocean off the Georgia and South Carolina coastlines. 'As Debby moves inland, heavy rains will exacerbate flooding concerns.'

By Friday, Debby is expected to bring up to 4 inches of rain across Virginia and Pennsylvania, heightening flooding risks in already saturated areas. The weekend may see similar rainfall in central New York state and northern Vermont. Currently located 20 miles northeast of Charleston and moving northwest with 50 mph sustained winds, Debby is forecast to weaken as it progresses inland, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm has already claimed six lives in Florida and Georgia and led to emergency declarations in the Carolinas, Florida, and Georgia. The severe weather has submerged neighborhoods, washed out streets, and inundated homes across the region.

Emergency management officials are monitoring the situation closely as rainwater draining into river systems poses additional flooding risks. The National Water Prediction Service has forecast that seven waterways are expected to reach major flood levels before the storm subsides.

(With inputs from agencies.)