CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Tropical Storm Debby was swirling over coastal Georgia and Carolinas on Wednesday, its wide bands of rain swelling inland waterways before it slowly marches north.
Debby was expected to restrengthen a little and turn north toward the South Carolina coastline before its center makes a second landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday, weather officials said. The meandering storm — moving forward at just 4 mph (6 kph) Wednesday morning — has already drenched coastal cities in Georgia and South Carolina with more than a foot (30 centimeters) of rain in places, stirring up tornadoes and submerging streets with waist-high floodwaters.
But its core was surrounded by drier air and the worst rainfall was falling hundreds of miles to the north, into eastern North Carolina before spreading into southeast Virginia. Both declared a state of emergency. Forecasters warned 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain could fall from South Carolina to Vermont through this weekend.
The area of most concern Wednesday was in southeastern North Carolina, where Hurricane Matthew caused a historic billion-dollar flood in 2016. Two years later, many of those records were broken during Hurricane Florence. Both storms killed dozens.
The National Weather Service warned up to 9 inches (23 centimeters) of rain could fall west of Wilmington, North Carolina, in areas that already saw heavy rains overnight.
Severe thunderstorms soaked most of New Jersey on Tuesday night, causing moderate flooding in many areas and leaving thousands without power. More than two inches of rain fell in several areas, and as much as six inches was recorded in some southern Jersey communities. Forecasters said the storms were enhanced by moisture drifting up from Tropical Storm Debby. No injuries were reported.
Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane early Monday along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
At least six people have died due to the storm, five of them in traffic accidents or from fallen trees. The sixth death involved a 48-year-old man in Gulfport, Florida, whose body was recovered after his anchored sailboat partially sank, WTSP-TV reported.
President Joe Biden approved emergency declarations making federal disaster assistance available to Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
Debby is finally forecast to pick up speed Thursday before weakening inland as the weather moves north over North Carolina and Virginia into the Washington area by Saturday.
Even though the storm is expected to weaken, communities projected to be in its path are bracing for possible trouble.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed a State of Preparedness declaration Tuesday ahead of possible heavy rains and winds as well as inland and tidal flooding later this week. The declaration enhances the state’s ability to prepare for potential hazards and threats without declaring a State of Emergency.
