Tropical Storm Debby: NC coast faces 'life threatening' conditions; what to know about WNC (2024)

While Debby was downgraded from Category 1 hurricane to tropical storm Monday, Aug. 5, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is warning residents of the state to remain ready for anything.

"Now’s the time to get yourself prepared," North Carolina Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins said in a news release. "Please monitor the weather and if you need food, water or other supplies, get those now because once the storm hits it may impact the roads you use. We’re expecting a lot of rain from Debby that could cause flooding and make traveling dangerous."

The NCDOT release said 2,200 employees across the state were preparing to respond wherever needed. Equipment and vehicles are also being prepared with fuel and testing, including around 1,500 chain saws and trucks as well as nearly 600 backhoes, graders and front-end loaders.

Also, the Smoky Mountain Regional IMT Logistics Exercise scheduled for Thursday at the WNC Ag Center has been canceled due to Tropical Storm Debby, a news release said.Several members have deployed to assist neighboring regions with their storm response.

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Will Tropical Storm Debby impact Asheville, Western NC?

Not much has changed since Monday when it comes to the weather Debby may bring to WNC. The National Weather Service forecast for the week in Asheville is still calling for chances of thunderstorms through Friday. Wind speeds are not expected to exceed 10 mph in the area. By this weekend, sunny weather is predicted.

As for Tuesday, Aug. 6,, there is a chance of precipitation and potential thunderstorms in the Asheville area between 3-5 p.m., as well as after 5 p.m. The chance for showers and thunderstorms resumes between 7-8 p.m., followed by patchy fog and mostly cloudy conditions.

The NWS alert regarding the tropical storm is still active, with the NOAA still calling for some impact to the western Carolinas later this week. Main concerns involve increased risk for heavy rain and flooding Thursday and Friday, with the greatest risks east of Interstate 77. Again, the movement of the storm over the Carolinas will ultimately determine which locations have the highest threat for flooding.

Visithurricanes.govfor updates as they occur.

State of emergency

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper on Aug. 5 declared a state of emergency ahead of Debby's arrival to the state.

“This weather has the potential to bring intense rain and flooding to North Carolina and we are preparing for it,” Cooper said in a news release. “As the weather becomes more severe, I urge everyone to take precautions and stay safe.”

The order enables state departments to ensure the "expeditious movement of utility vehicles to eliminate power outages, vehicles carrying essential supplies such as food, medicine and fuel or transporting livestock, poultry and crops," the release said.

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NC coast Debby impacts

The Wilmington StarNews has updates on the effects of Debby in coastal N.C. Wilmington area residents woke to watches and warnings Tuesday morning, including a tornado watch issued for Southeastern N.C. until 5 p.m. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the N.C. coast up to Surf City, meaning tropical storm conditions are possible within the area over the next 48 hours. A storm surge watch has also been issued for the coast of Brunswick County.

"This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions," the hurricane center said.

As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, the storm was moving northeast over Georgia at about 6 mph. It was located about 20 miles southeast of Savannah, and about 105 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina. Forecasts show Debby moving offshore around the coast of Georgia later today, then moving inland over S.C. on Thursday. The storm has created a significant risk of flash flooding for Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina over the next few days according to the National Hurricane Center.

In Wilmington, tropical storm force winds are most likely aroundThursday morning. Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties are expected to see rainfall amounts of 12 to 16 inches, which could result in life-threatening flash flooding, according to the weather service. Storm surge, tornadoes and rough marine conditions are also current risks to the area.

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Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.