Good Afternoon Everyone,
This afternoon's update included a reduced threat of storm surge for our area, and an increased concern for downriver flooding for areas along the lower Tar River early next week as a result of inland rainfall. An updated storm track and summary of forecasted conditions can be found below.
Storm Track Summary:
There were very little changes made to Debby's forecasted track. It is expected to remain offshore, between Savannah and Charleston for the next 36 hours. Debby is expected to grow in size and regain strength but remain a tropical storm during this time. The official track from the National Hurricane Center forecasts a second landfall near Charleston around 2am Thursday morning. Debby is then expected to travel inland towards Charlotte through 2am Friday, before turning north, crossing our state and entering Virgina near Martinsville around sunrise.
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 36 hrs. However, Debby is still forecasted to bring the following impacts to our area over the next several days.
Rain
- Areas south and west of Old Ford, Blounts Creek, Edward and Aurora are forecasted to receive 8 to 10 inches of rain over the next 5 days, with areas north and east receiving 6 to 8.
- A steady rain is expected through Friday afternoon.
- 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.
Winds
- Our winds are currently forecasted to increase tomorrow morning and remain elevated through Friday afternoon, with most areas forecasted to experience sustained winds between 15 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 between 20 and 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 6pm 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 is a growing 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 email below and attached briefing from the National Weather Service for more information. We will continue to pass along updates as they are received.
Our primary hazards continue to be an abundance of rainfall between Wednesday night and 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 today and the first half of tomorrow to prepare for this approaching storm. 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.
As always, thank you all for what you do to keep Beaufort County informed, prepared, and safe.
Chris Newkirk
Deputy Director
Beaufort County Emergency Services
1420 Highland Dr
Washington, NC 27889
Office: (252)940-6511
Cell: (252) 378-5352
Hello and good morning,
Please see the attached latest briefing for Tropical Storm Debby.
What has changed:
- Very little; slightly faster storm movement later in the week but the track and intensity forecast remain fairly similar to the last update.
What remains the same:
- 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 today expanding northward tomorrow and continuing through the week.
Uncertainty continues:
Good Evening Eastern NC Partners,
Please see the attached latest briefing for Tropical Storm Debby.
What has changed:
- Tornado Watch is in effect until 1 AM Wednesday morning.
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 tomorrow, 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_6th_2024_6_PM_Update.pdf
Regards,
NWS Newport/Morehead City
NOAA - National Weather Service
Newport/Morehead City, NC Weather Forecast Office
533 Roberts Rd
Newport, NC 28570
