What It Means If Tropical Storm Debby Backpedals Toward GA Coast

GEORGIA — As Tropical Storm Debby gains strength and creeps along the East Coast, Georgia officials worry the storm could backtrack and further inundate the Peach State with flooding.

With parts of Georgia already underwater, state officials previously warned Debby could return and slam the coast once more.

The National Weather Service confirmed to Patch on Wednesday that Debby, which has gotten stronger, could potentially revisit South Carolina and cause "impactful" flooding to the Georgia coast.

NWS Meteorologist Neil Dixon said while Debby was moving at about 5 mph outside of Charleston, South Carolina, and heading for the Northeast, the storm is expected to be inland near the South Carolina coast by Thursday morning.

If this occurs, he said Savannah and surrounding areas could receive an additional inch to an inch and a half rainfall amounts.

For context, Chatham County has already felt 8-10 inches of rain, with other areas having experienced 11 inches. Dixon said while the extra rainfall amount may not be catastrophic, it could certainly affect Savannah and surrounding areas by initiating new roadway flooding.

The additional rain can be expected overnight into Thursday, though Dixon noted conditions should steadily improve.

Rivers around Savannah, such as the Savannah River, could peak at either the major or moderate flood stages as Friday nears, Dixon said. The overflow could stretch into the weekend.

Dixon advised residents near these rivers could see "pretty significant river flooding" even in the absence of rainfall.

He encouraged residents to not drive around barricades due to comprised structures under roadways.

Recovering from Debby

As of Wednesday morning, emergency management officials said Debby brought at least a foot of rain to Effingham, Screven and Bulloch counties with an additional 8-12 inches of rainfall expected this week in south central, southeast and east central Georgia.

The storm hit South Georgia and the Georgia coast Monday, killing at least one person in Moultrie. A state of emergency remains in effect through Thursday in response to Debby.

Boat rescues were taking place Wednesday in Bulloch County as depicted in photos shared by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Creeks, streams and rivers were expected to rise in the next few days, heightening flood concerns and worries of dam failures, GEMA said. Flooding in southeast Georgia may persist through the weekend, GEMA said.

RELATED:

• 6 Deaths From Hurricane Debby As It Swamped FL, GA
• Tracking Debby: GA 'Not Out Of The Woods, Yet,' Officials Say
• Flood Warning Issued For S.East Georgia Due To Tropical Storm Debby
• 'Catastrophic Flooding' Looms From TS Debby: See Potential GA Impact

Video shared Wednesday afternoon by GEMA shows flooding in Cypress Lake in Bulloch. Buildings sat buried underwater in the footage.

Roads in Chatham, Bulloch, Effingham, Charlton and Tattnall experienced extended lane closures due to flooding, GEMA said. Photos showed road flooding in Jenkins County, as well.

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Ogeechee River near Eden until further notice. Sixteen feet of water neared the Old Jenks Turnpike and had entered some homes, weather officials said.

Southeast Georgia, including Chatham, were under a flood watch through Friday morning. Dangerous rip currents continued to be a concern for Georgia beaches until 8 p.m. Thursday.

What to Do During Flooding

On its website, GEMA offered the following tips for what residents should do during flooding:

• If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
• Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station, NOAA Weather Radio for flood information.
• Follow the instructions of local officials. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Do not drive around barricades. They are there for your safety.
• Never drive through standing water. It only takes one foot to float a full-sized automobile and two feet can sweep it away.
  • More than half of flood victims are in vehicles swept away by moving water.
• Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
• Stay out of floodwaters if possible. The water may be contaminated or electrically charged. However, if your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and seek higher ground.
  • Six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person off his or her feet
• Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.

This story includes reporting from the Associated Press.