US: Tropical Storm Debby tracking north-northeastward inland over northern Florida as of Aug. 5 /update 6

Tropical Storm Debby is tracking north-northeastward over northern Florida Aug. 5, having made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near Steinhatchee in the Big Bend region of the Florida Gulf Coast at around 07:00 EDT Aug. 5. As of 11:00, the system's center of circulation was approximately 55 km (35 miles) west of Lake City, Florida.

Forecast models indicate that the system will weaken but remain a tropical storm as it tracks northeastward inland into southern Georgia Aug. 5 before exiting into the North Atlantic Ocean off the Georgia coast Aug. 6. Debby is likely to strengthen briefly as it slowly tracks east-northeastward then turns northward off the South Carolina coast Aug. 6-8, before making landfall as a tropical storm near Myrtle Beach Aug. 8. The storm is expected to weaken as it continues northward further inland over eastern South Carolina and into North Carolina through early Aug. 9, before weakening into a depression as it tracks northeastward across North Carolina and into Virginia through early Aug. 10. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming days.

As of Aug. 5, officials have issued the following watches and warnings:

Tropical Storm Warnings

• Florida coast from Indian Pass to the middle of Longboat Key

• St. Augustine, Florida, to South Santee River, South Carolina

Storm Surge Warning

• Florida coast from the middle of Longboat Key northward to the Ochlockonee River

• Georgia and South Carolina coast from the mouth of the St. Mary's River to South Santee River

Authorities will likely issue new warnings throughout the system's progression in the coming days.

Tropical storm conditions are expected to continue in parts of the tropical storm area along the Florida Gulf coast Aug. 5 and will begin in parts of the tropical storm warning area along the Atlantic coast by late Aug. 5 or early Aug. 6.

The system is expected to generate rainfall totals of up to 15-30 cm (6-12 inches), with localized maximum amounts of 45 cm (18 inches), across portions of central and northern Florida and central and northeastern North Carolina through early Aug. 7. This rainfall will likely result in considerable flash and urban flooding, with significant river flooding expected. Totals of 25-50 cm (10-20 inches) with localized amounts up to 76 cm (30 cm) are expected in parts of southeast Georgia, the coastal plain of South Carolina, and southeast North Carolina through early Aug. 10. This potentially historic rainfall may result in areas of catastrophic flooding. Isolated tornadoes are possible over central and northern Florida and southeastern Georgia through Aug. 5 and will spread northeastward into parts of South Carolina late Aug.5-early Aug. 6.

Storm surge is possible along parts of the affected Florida coast, with peak surges at high tide reaching 1.2-1.8 meters (4-6 feet) from Yankeetown to the Aucilla River, 0.9-1.5 cm (3-5 feet) from Chassahowitzka to Yankeetown, and 0.6-1.2 meters (2-4 feet) over other adjacent coastal areas. Peak surges of 0.6-1.2 meters (2-4 feet) are also possible along the Atlantic coast from the mouth of the St. Mary's River on the Georgia-Florida border to the South Santee River in South Carolina. Swells generated by the storm are expected to affect much of Florida's Gulf coast through early Aug. 6 and will begin to affect the southeast US coast Aug. 5 and continue through around Aug. 7. These swells will likely cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Florida authorities declared a state of emergency for 61 of the state's 67 counties before the storm's arrival due to possible significant flooding. Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders affecting thousands of people have been issued across counties in coastal areas of Florida, including mandatory evacuations in parts of Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Levy, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. Authorities in Georgia and South Carolina both declared a statewide State of Emergency Aug. 4 ahead of Debby's approach.

Hundreds of flights have been canceled or delayed at airports across the region Aug. 5, including Charleston International Airport (CHS), Orlando International Airport (MCO), and Tampa International Airport. Nearly 280,000 customers across Florida, primarily in northern parts of the state, and around 10,000 customers in southern Georgia are without power as of Aug. 5 due to the passing of the storm. Storm surge has been reported along the Big Bend coast Aug. 5, with water levels around 5.5 meters (18 feet) recorded at Cedar Key.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and locations with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible in hard-hit regions.

Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding may increase the incidence of insect—and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.