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From Beaufort County Emergency Services:

This morning’s update included both good and bad changes for our area, with another reduction in the total rainfall but an increased threat of tornados. An updated storm track and summary of forecasted conditions can be found below.

Storm Track Summary:

While Debby is now forecasted to move faster than previously expected, there were very little changes made to forecasted track. Debby is expected to remain offshore of Charleston for the next 12 to 16 hours. Debby is still expected to grow in size and strength, but remain a tropical storm during this time. The official track from the National Hurricane Center forecasts a second landfall near Charleston around midnight tonight. Debby is then expected to travel inland towards Charlotte through 7pm Thursday, before turning north, crossing our state and entering Virgina near Martinsville around 4am Friday.

Forecasted Impacts For Beaufort County

Our forecasted impacts continue to be track specific and subject to change in future updates as we work to gain more confidence is Debby’s development while in the open Atlantic over the next 12 +/- hrs.  However, Debby is still forecasted to bring the following impacts to our area over the next several days.

• Rain
  • Areas west of Long Acre, Pinetown, Bath and Aurora are now forecasted to receive 4 to 6 inches of rain, with areas east receiving 3 to 4 inches.
  • Alternating periods of heavy and light rain is expected through Friday afternoon as rain bands continue to pass through our area.
    • Our heaviest rains are expected to occur during the day Thursday.
  • A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect for our area through Friday.
  • Remember, changes to this track and / or its timing could impact future forecasted totals.

• Severe Storms / Tornados
  • Passing rain bands will have the potential to produce strong to severe storms and several tornados through Friday morning. Please ensure that you have a way of being alerted to any watches and / or warnings that are issued for your area, especially during the overnight hours. (weather radio, phone apps with push notifications, etc.)

• Winds
  • Our winds are still expected to remain elevated through Friday afternoon, with most areas receiving sustained winds between 10 and 20 with gust of 25 to 30. These wind conditions are detailed below.
    • Wednesday: East winds sustained between 10 and 15mph, with frequent gust up to 25 mph.
    • Thursday:  East winds that will transition to the Southeast; sustained between 15 and 20 mph with frequent gust up to 25 mph.
    • Friday: Southeast winds that will transition to the South around sunrise; sustained between 15 and 20 mph with frequent gust up to 30mph.
      • South winds are now expected calm around midnight Friday.
    • Our highest winds are expected between 3pm Thursday night and 6pm Friday.

• Storm Surge
  • There is no longer a concern for storm surge along our waterways, with most areas now forecasted to receive about a 1 foot of inundation.

• Downriver Flooding From Inland Rain
  • There continues to be a concern for downriver flooding along the lower Tar River as we go through next week, which will have the potential to impact the Clarks Neck and Tranters Creek communities.  We hope to share more information on this potential hazard in future updates. (You will hear similar concerns for various rivers and creeks throughout eastern NC in the coming days as well.)

Links to various forecast graphics and key messages from the National Hurricane Center can be found using the following link.

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/094934.shtml?cone#contents

Please see the below and attached briefing from the National Weather Service for more information.

Our primary hazards continue to be an abundance of rainfall through Friday afternoon. This accumulation is expected to cause ponding water along our roadways, making for potentially hazardous driving conditions at times. Saturated grounds in combination with elevated winds are also likely to cause down trees and power outages. We encourage everyone to utilize the remainder of today and the first half of tomorrow to prepare. Preparations should include:

• Ensuring that you have enough food and supplies to last into the weekend.
• Have battery operated devices in case you lose power.
• Ensure that outside furniture, décor, etc. are secure.
• Ensure that your outside pets have adequate shelter and are away from standing / rising water.

 

From National Weather Service, Morehead City:

Please see the attached latest briefing for Tropical Storm Debby.

What has changed:

• Slightly faster progression after landfall in SC
• Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for Carteret and Onslow Counties
• High Surf Advisory in Effect from Oregon Inlet to Surf City

What remains the same:

• Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Onslow and Carteret county.
• Storm surge inundation of 1 to 3 feet above ground will be possible for coastal portions of Onslow and Carteret counties.
• Slightly faster storm movement later in the week but the track and intensity forecast remain fairly similar to the last update.
• Heavy rainfall bringing the threat of flash flooding continues to be the greatest threat for ENC.
• Dangerous rip currents will also be a threat throughout the week into this weekend.
• River flooding may become a threat late in the week and into next week after several days of rainfall.
• Hazardous boating conditions will develop over southern waters expanding northward tomorrow and continuing through the week.

Uncertainty continues:

• Debby is forecast to slowly move just off the South Carolina coast through tonight, then make landfall along the South Carolina coast early on Thursday.
• The amount of time and distance Debby remains off the Southeast coast will determine how much restrengthening occurs and ultimately the level of impacts we may experience from additional hazards, including Wind, Tornado and Storm Surge.
• It is imperative that we keep a keen eye on the official forecast track while Debby meanders over the Atlantic.

Remember you can get the latest information from our local tropical page: https://www.weather.gov/mhx/tropical or the National Hurricane Center.

NWS Morehead City Tropical Storm Debby August 7th 2024 6 AM Update.pdf