The WCNC Weather Impact Team wants you to stay Weather Aware this week due to the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Debby.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tropical Storm Debby is expected to impact the Charlotte area this week with heavy rain and the risk of flash flooding.
Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich says while we can’t rule out severe weather from Debby in the Charlotte area, the biggest impact will be flooding. This threat is made worse by how slow Debby is moving north. Because it’s crawling, the storm is dumping heavy rain for long periods.
As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, Tropical Storm Debby was about 40 miles southwest of Savannah, Georgia, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. A curfew is in effect for Charleston, South Carolina, where up to 15 inches of rain is possible.
There will be showers in the Charlotte area on Tuesday, but these aren’t the main event, as Debby won’t fully arrive until Wednesday. Heavy rain bands are expected to move in from the southeast late Wednesday, and the showers will continue through Friday.
When
All day Thursday, Aug. 9, through Saturday, Aug. 11. But Thursday and Friday will have the highest flooding potential of the three days.
Impact
Tropical Storm Debby will bring widespread heavy rain along Interstate 77. Areas east of I-77 could see significant rainfall that leads to flash flooding. Panovihc said rain rates could be up to 3 inches per hour, which doesn’t take long to cause flash flooding.
“This will be dropping several inches of rain in just a few hours,” Panovich said. “We could see more rain developing on Friday.”
Panovich said the Charlotte area could see anywhere from 4-7 inches of rain from Debby. Areas to the east, including Rockingham and Wadesboro, could see over 7 inches. Areas north and west of Charlotte, including Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell and Lincoln counties, could see 2-4 inches. The mountains are expected to get less rain, around 1-2 inches, as Debby pushes east toward the coast.
“The most significant amounts will be east of here, like Wadesboro and Rockingham,” forecaster Larry Sprinkle said. “Lesser amounts in the mountains and foothills, but it’s all subject to change depending on how Debby moves.”
What you need to do to stay safe
Panovich says everyone in the Carolinas should stay Weather Aware this week and keep a close eye on the rainfall totals. If you live in a flood-prone area, ensure you have the WCNC Charlotte app with weather notifications turned on so you will be alerted to weather emergencies in real-time.
What you can do before the heavy rain moves in:
- Clean drains, gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs
- Mow your yard. You might not get another chance until Sunday
- Keep rain gear handy. Boots, jackets and umbrellas may be needed if you have to evacuate.
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