Hurricane Debby makes landfall as Cat 1 storm. What’s the forecast for Middle Georgia?
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Tropical Storm Debby
Tropical Storm Debby made landfall 7 a.m. Monday, August 5, 2024 as a Category 1 hurricane, but has downgraded to a tropical storm. As it moves up the Southeast Coast, the system could bring excessive rain and winds to Macon and Middle Georgia.
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The Macon-Bibb County Emergency Agency is urging Middle Georgia residents to be prepared for any rain and wind from Hurricane Debbie, which made landfall Monday morning in Florida as a Category 1 storm.
The storm could bring catastrophic flooding to Georgia and other Southeasten states as the systems slows, bringing high rain levels across several states. In Middle Georgia, scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected Monday afternoon and evening as the outer portions of the storm chug through the state..
Debby, the fourth named storm of what is expected to be a historic hurricane season, made landfall at 7 a.m. Monday with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The storm is projected to move slowly across northern Florida before unleashing “potentially historic heavy rainfall” up to 20 inches across southeast Georgia.
The National Hurricane Center warned of a “major flood threat” in the Southeast. “There is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline,” the center said.
Georgia school districts in the southern part of the state have already canceled some classes.
With Hurricane Debby moving closer to the area Central Georgia will see increased winds and precipitation amounts through Monday night. Some locations across East Central Georgia could see 2 inches to 4 inches of precipitation through Monday night. A flood watch is in effect for that area, according to the center.
Rain and possible flooding concerns will continue because of Debby`s proximity to the area through Thursday. Some locations across East Central Georgia could see seven to 10 inches of rain through Thursday night
The center advises residents to stay aware of any ongoing or imminent flooding through the end of the week.
The most updated information from the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Agency came via social media last night. The agency said it is watching for potential severe weather and asking residents to make sure they have emergency kits and plans in place. Residents can sign up for alerts through the #MBCAlert app to receive up-to-date alerts and information.
On Sunday the Georgia Department of Economic Development stated it has activated a travel alert web page to help travelers and evacuees find hotel and lodging availability, locations and operating hours of the state’s nine Visitor Information Centers, and links to emergency resources.
It said Georgia’s nine Visitor Information Centers are prepared to assist with identifying accommodations and travel information. Each center offers clean restrooms, parking, outdoor space to walk pets, and more. Standard operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Any operational changes will be updated on the Travel Alert web page as they occur. Facilities, including restrooms, are open 24 hours a day, seven day a week at the Valdosta, St. Marys, and Port Wentworth (Savannah) centers, which are situated on or near evacuation routes, according to the statement.
A map showing Georgia’s nine Visitor Information Centers, major cities, interstates, highways, and airports can be downloaded from the website.
This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 10:20 AM.
