Tropical Storm Debby Impacts Greenville, South Carolina
Tropical Storm Debby: More Rain in Greenville than Expected. Is this Cause for Concern?
Greenville, South Carolina – Tropical Storm Debby made a second landfall in South Carolina as it continued to dump rain along the southeast coast. Residents in Greenville and Spartanburg are currently experiencing heavier rainfall than initially expected, raising questions about potential concerns.
Unexpected Rainfall
After a hot and sunny week in the Upstate, Tropical Storm Debby brought heavy rains to the region, with Greenville County receiving a higher amount of precipitation than forecasted.
While Greenville is primarily dealing with increased rainfall, areas near Interstate 77 are under a flood warning due to significant precipitation. However, the weather conditions in Greenville are relatively mild compared to Raleigh, North Carolina, where several tornadoes have touched down.
“The Raleigh area has actually had some tornadoes,” stated a weather expert. “Of course, you have a much greater chance of tornadoes on the right side of the path of a tropical system moving inland. Raleigh is on that right-hand side. So they’ve got the tornadoes and all we got is rain.”
Current Debby’s Position and Weakening
As of the latest update, the center of Tropical Storm Debby is approximately 55 miles east of Charlotte, North Carolina, and 100 miles southwest of Raleigh. The storm is moving towards the north-northwest and is expected to accelerate across central North Carolina before heading towards the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Debby’s maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 40 mph with higher gusts, indicating a weakening trend. By this evening, the storm is likely to become a tropical depression, with further transformation into an extratropical system on Friday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 195 miles from the center.
Key Messages and Advisories
The National Hurricane Center’s key messages highlight heavy rainfall and potential flooding in portions of the Carolinas, Mid-Atlantic states, and Northeast through Saturday morning. Tropical storm conditions are expected to persist along the northeastern South Carolina coast, with storm surge posing a coastal flooding risk in North Carolina.
A tropical storm warning is in effect north of Murrells’s Inlet, S.C., to Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina, with storm surge projections along specific coastal areas.
Weather Forecast and Impacts
Additional rainfall amounts between 1 to 3 inches are forecast for eastern South Carolina, potentially leading to considerable flooding in the area. Greenville’s afternoon forecast includes showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. with a 60% chance of precipitation and new rainfall amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch.
For tonight, there is a chance of thunderstorms before 10 p.m., followed by a slight chance of showers. Patchy fog is expected after 3 a.m. with new precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. Tomorrow’s weather in Greenville promises mostly sunny skies with a high near 94 degrees.
Conclusion
As Tropical Storm Debby continues its path across the southeast, residents in Greenville and surrounding areas should remain vigilant against potential flooding and changing weather conditions. Stay updated on the latest weather advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period of heightened rainfall.
