Middle Georgia residents can expect lots of rain as Tropical Storm Debby nears landfall
Middle Georgia residents can expect lots of rain this week as Tropical Storm Debby makes it way to Georgia.
Gov. Brian Kemp on Saturday issued a state of emergency ahead of Debby making landfall. Kemp declared the state of emergency for all 159 counties in Georgia because of the storm in the Gulf of Mexico.
The National Weather Service predicts Tropical Storm Debby will track northward over the eastern Gulf of Mexico all day Sunday, then begin to track northeast on Monday, hitting Florida first and then Georgia.
The NWS said Debby is expected to reach hurricane strength prior to landfall during the day Monday.
Bibb County residents can expect isolated to scattered thunderstorms throughout Sunday. The National Weather Service stated a few storms may be strong to severe, capable of producing damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall.
It stated scattered thunderstorms, mainly in the afternoon and evening, are expected each day through Thursday. A few storms each day could become strong to severe, capable of producing damaging wind gusts, frequent lightning and locally heavy rainfall.
Periods of heavy rain can be expected across portions of Central Georgia Monday and Monday night as the tropical system nears the area. Flooding and flash flooding will be possible on Monday and Tuesday, especially in areas of central Georgia that are impacted by tropical moisture from Tropical Storm Debby. A moderate risk of flash flooding is in effect, according to the National Weather Service.
In preparation for the storm, the State Operations Center elevated to a full-scale activation level at 7 a.m. Sunday morning. Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency said it will continue to monitor the storm and are ready to assist local emergency management agencies should the need arise.
“As our agency braces for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Debby, we’d like to encourage all residents and visitors to pay attention to trusted news sources, weather alerts and local officials,” Chris Stallings, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security director said in a statement.
In case of flooding, do not drive or walk through standing water or drive around barricades. Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution. If a tornado warning is issued, storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. If an underground shelter is not available, go to a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
This story was originally published August 4, 2024 at 1:26 PM.