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Even though the total rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby predicted for the northeastern counties – to include the Roanoke-Chowan area – has lessened, please remain on alert as the impact from the storm still has the local area under a Flood Watch.

The revised weather forecast shows the R-C area receiving a total of 3-to-5 inches of rain through Friday, down from the 4-to-6 inches predicted yesterday (Tuesday).

However, the local area could experience flash flooding from heavy downpours while steady rain will cause flooding in low-lying areas. Do not drive or walk through standing water.

It appears the RC area will receive the bulk of Debby’s rain on Thursday where 2.5 to 3 inches is expected, along with wind gusts in the 20-to-30 mph range.

The following information was posted late this morning (Wednesday) by North Carolina Emergency Management:

Tropical Storm Debby is currently meandering offshore of Charleston SC, with the center of Debby expected to reach the SC coast by tonight or early Thursday.

After landfall, confidence is increasing that Debby will move quickly north-northeast through the Carolinas on Thursday and Friday. The main impact from Debby is still expected to be the threat for heavy rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding.

Flash Flooding

While expected storm total rainfall amounts have decreased some due to the anticipated increase in Debby’s forward speed after landfall, the overall flash flooding risk has remained similar to previous forecasts. Additional rainfall amounts of 3-10” will be possible across NC through Friday leading to maximum storm total amounts up to 15” across southeastern NC. The greatest rainfall from Debby so far has been observed across portions of southeastern NC where localized amounts of 2-5” have been observed.

Periods of moderate to heavy rainfall will continue Wednesday, especially across the southeast. The heavy rainfall threat will expand in coverage and become more widespread across central and eastern NC Wednesday evening/night.

A High Risk (Level 4 of 4) for widespread flash floods remains in place across the southeast with a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 4) to Moderate Risk (Level 3 of 4) in place across much of central and eastern NC.

The flooding threat will increase across NC on Thursday, with the High Risk for widespread flash floods expanding across much of central and eastern NC with scattered to numerous flash floods possible across the remainder of the state.

Showers could linger Friday and scattered flash flooding will be possible across much of the state. A Flood Watch is in effect for most areas generally east of the I-77 corridor and will continue into Friday.

Drier conditions are expected for the weekend as Debby moves off to the northeast, but lingering showers and storms will remain possible Saturday and Sunday, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Isolated areas of flash flooding will be possible across southern portions of central and eastern NC Sunday.

River Flooding

The potential for moderate to major river flooding later this week and weekend is increasing across central and eastern NC. Flood Warnings are in in effect for several gages forecast to reach Major Flood Stage on Thursday, including the NE Cape Fear River at Burgaw and Chinquapin and the Lumber River at Lumberton. Additional gages could reach moderate to major levels later this week and weekend and will need to be monitored.

Flooding on mainstem rivers could linger into next week.

Storm Surge/Coastal Impacts

Storm Surge amounts have remained unchanged, with a Storm Surge Watch in effect for areas south of Cape Fear where 2-4 ft. of inundation AGL will be possible. Farther north, 1-3 ft. of inundation AGL will be possible for areas between Cape Fear and Cape Lookout. The greatest potential for storm surge will be this evening through Friday morning, especially around times of high tide.

Additional coastal impacts from heavy surf and elevated water levels could lead to major beach erosion this week. Dangerous rip currents are also expected along NC beaches this week.

Gusty Winds and Severe Storms

Gusty winds will increase later Wednesday, especially across the southeast and expand across NC on Thursday. Areas under a Tropical Storm Watch/Warning remains unchanged, and a Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for Coastal Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties where gusts up to 50 mph will be possible. Elsewhere, gusts up to 40 mph will be possible across portions of central and eastern NC.

Gusty winds combined with saturated soils will likely lead to downed trees and scattered power outages.

Isolated severe storms capable of producing a few tornadoes will be possible across portions of eastern NC on Wednesday where a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) is in place. The severe threat will increase and expand in coverage on Thursday, with a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) to Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) in place for portions of central and eastern NC. Any storm that develops will be capable of producing tornadoes and additional Tornado Watches may be needed Wednesday and Thursday.