The National Weather Service in Wakefield reports that impacts from Tropical Storm Debby could be seen in Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks as early as Wednesday, potentially continuing into the weekend.
The weather service’s most recent briefing stated uncertainty remains about what those impacts may look like. Heavy rainfall and flooding are likely primary threats. Additional potential impacts include increased chances for rip currents and gusty winds later this week, but it’s too soon for specific timing. Current estimates have the storm’s intensity at about 69 mph.
As Debby remains over land Monday night and Tuesday, a gradual weakening is expected, the National Hurricane Center reported Monday. By late Tuesday and into the week, some strengthening is anticipated as the center moves offshore.
How strong Debby will get depends on how far over the Atlantic Ocean the system moves, and how long it remains over water.
According to the Associated Press, Hurricane Debby reached the Big Bend coast of Florida early Monday, bringing with it the potential for catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge as it slowly passes over the northern part of the state. It was later downgraded to a tropical storm, but forecasters warned in the coming days, record-setting rain could pummel coastal Georgia and South Carolina as the storm heads east.
“Dangerous storm surge and tropical storm conditions will spread northward along the southeast U.S. coast from northeastern Florida to North Carolina through the middle of the week,” the center reported. “Storm surge and tropical storm warnings have been issued for portions of these areas, and additional watches and warnings will likely be issued later today.”
Eliza Noe, [email protected]
