Tropical storm “Debby” made landfall for the second time on Thursday morning (August 8) in South Carolina, USA, triggering tornadoes that tore off roofs, destroyed a school, and resulted in one fatality. The storm also caused heavy rainfall, leading to flooding in many communities in South Carolina and North Carolina, with more heavy rain expected to impact additional areas along the East Coast.
According to reports from the Associated Press, the National Hurricane Center in the United States stated that “Debby” had made its second landfall in South Carolina on Thursday morning. The first landfall occurred on Monday morning along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
At least seven people have lost their lives due to the storm, with one fatality occurring during Thursday’s storm assault.
Overnight, North Carolina experienced at least three tornadoes, with the one on Thursday morning possibly being the most destructive. Stephen Mann, a spokesperson for Wilson County, mentioned in an email to the Associated Press that one fatality was discovered in a house destroyed by the tornado, but no further details about the individual were provided.
Officials from Wilson County’s school district also confirmed to the Associated Press that Springfield Middle School’s building had sustained damage during the tornado, with portions of walls and roofs missing in the sixth and seventh-grade auditorium.
In some areas of a town in North Carolina, floodwaters reached up to 3 feet (91 centimeters) deep.
More flooding is expected in North Carolina and South Carolina, with up to an additional 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rainfall possible before “Debby” leaves these states. The Weather Bureau forecasts similar total rainfall amounts in parts of Maryland, northern New York, and Vermont by this weekend.
Rainfall totals of 3 to 7 inches (8 to 18 centimeters) are anticipated from central North Carolina to Virginia, with localized amounts of up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) by Friday. The Hurricane Center warned of possible flash flooding.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster stated on Thursday afternoon that the impact of “Debby” is not over yet, as the rainfall in North Carolina could cause rivers to rise, leading to downstream flooding.
“We have gone through some dangerous situations, but there are still many dangers ahead,” McMaster said. “So let’s not let our guard down just yet.”