'Catastrophic Flooding' Looms From TS Debby: See Potential GA Impact

Updated at 6:30 p.m. Monday

SAVANNAH, GA — With Debby now a tropical storm, and Georgia remaining in the storm's path, flooding and wind damage could be life-threatening for Peach State residents.

As of 5 p.m. Monday, Tropical Storm Debby was over land near the Florida-Georgia border, about 30 miles southeast of Valdosta, Georgia. The storm packed maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was moving northeast at 6 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.

The center of the storm will move across southeastern Georgia Monday night and Tuesday, move
offshore of the South Carolina coast by late Tuesday and Wednesday, and approach the South Carolina coast on Thursday.

Across portions of southeast Georgia, 10 to 20 inches of rainfall, with local amounts to 30 inches, are expected through Saturday morning. "This potentially historic rainfall will likely result in areas of catastrophic flooding," the NHC forecast said.

A few tornadoes are possible over southeastern Georgia are also possible Monday evening through Tuesday.

These watches and warnings were in place as of 5 p.m. Monday by the NHC:

• A tropical storm warning and a storm surge warning are in effect for Savannah, Tybee Island and Ossabaw Island
• A flood watch is in effect until 8 a.m. Friday in the Savannah region
• A flash flood warning is in place until 11:30 p.m. for Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Tattnall counties in southeastern Georgia. The National Weather Service said earlier Monday that Debby could possibly stall near southeast Georgia mid- to late week.

"Be prepared to protect life and property, especially in areas prone to flooding. If flooding develops, move to higher ground immediately. If driving, be prepared for flooded roadways and
possible road closures," the NWS said in its flash flood warning.

The National Hurricane Center showed Debby's trajectory landing in Georgia overnight Tuesday.

Ahead of the storm, Gov. Brian Kemp issued on Saturday a state of emergency that is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Furthermore, on Monday, the governor ordered up to 2,000 Georgia National Guard troops to assist with the response and recovery associated with Debby.

"The forecasted impacts of Hurricane Debby on the State of Georgia have worsened as the storm gains strength," Kemp said in his executive order Monday.

Around noon, state emergency management officials warned excessive rainfall could surpass coastal Georgia and enter inland counties in the next few days.

Georgia Power, in a notice, said it stood ready to respond to any potential outages that Debby may cause.

RELATED: Hurricane Debby Makes Landfall As Category 1 Storm In FL’s Big Bend

'Devastating to Catastrophic'

Both a storm surge warning and a tropical storm warning remain in effect for Savannah, Tybee Island and Ossabaw Island.

While peak winds may climb to 35-45 mph with wind gusts speeds of 55 mph, winds could reach anywhere from 58-73 mph, the NWS said.

Weather officials said a window could open Monday evening until Tuesday afternoon for tropical storm force winds. They urge residents to finalize their preparation and be ready for "significant wind damage."

Roofs and siding materials could be damaged while the storm could harm porches, awnings, carports and sheds, the NWS said. Mobile homes, specifically those unanchored, may see damage.

Windows, doors and garage doors may be impaired; and, lightweight objects left unsecured could turn into dangerous projectiles, the NWS said.

Trees could be downed, large debris could block roads and bridges and access routes could become impassable, the NWS said.

Traveling may be difficult, and downed trees or electric wires could cause deaths or injuries, the NWS said. Power outages could last hours or days.

Additionally, for the Savannah region, the NWS warned against "devastating to catastrophic" flooding.

"Extreme rainfall flooding could prompt widespread rescues. As event unfolds, rescues could become impossible," the NWS said.

Rivers and tributaries could overflow, the NWS said. Weather officials noted small streams, creeks, canals and ditches "may become raging rivers with strong currents. Flood control systems and barriers could become stressed or overwhelmed."

The NWS said multiple communities could become inundated with flooding, possibly completely washing away some structures or forcing them to become uninhabitable. Escape routes could become impassable, the NWS said.

"Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become impossible and life threatening. Widespread road and bridge closures with most weakened or washed out," the NWS said.

Sewage and drinking water could be impacted as hazardous containers and materials could potentially be found in flood waters, the NWS said.

Storm surge could rise to 2-4 feet above ground, starting Monday evening, causing significant concerns, the NWS said. Flooding in the region could trigger 12-18 inches of rainfall, with locally heavier amounts.

"Emergency plans should include the potential for extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely. ... Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life," the NWS said.

Residents should relocate to a safe shelter ahead of hazardous weather, the NWS said.

With flash flooding expected in the southeast, a flood watch has been prompted in Bulloch, Candler, Bryan, Chatham, Liberty, McIntosh, Effingham, Evans, Jenkins, Long, Screven and Tattnall. It is set to last through Friday morning.

Local rainfall amounts could reach near 30 inches in this region, with widespread amounts of 10-20 inches anticipated in this area, the NWS said.

Georgia beaches are at risk for rip currents through Monday evening.

Other Storms Throughout Georgia

Elsewhere in Georgia, scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are forecast.

The NWS predicted daily storms for central Georgia, including metro Atlanta. The storms will skip Wednesday and return Thursday, after which they could last through the weekend.

Storms are expected to approach metro Atlanta after 1 p.m. Monday.

"With Hurricane Debby moving closer to the area, (it) will see increased winds and precipitation amounts through tonight," the NWS said Monday.

East central Georgia may receive 2-4 inches of rain through Monday night, triggering a flood watch.

As for the remainder of the week, Debby's closeness to central Georgia could heighten flooding concerns through Thursday, the NWS said. East central Georgia may feel 7-10 inches of rain through Thursday night.

East central includes Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Walton counties.