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Tropical Storm Helene Brings Heavy Rain and Floods to Southeast U.S.

Tropical Storm Helene brought heavy rain and floods to parts of the southeast U.S. on Friday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Helene was located at latitude 35.1°N and longitude 83.8°W which put the center about 30 miles (50 km) southwest of Bryson City, North Carolina.  Helene was moving toward the north at 32 m.p.h. (52 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 975 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Savannah River, Georgia to Little River Inlet, South Carolina.

Tropical Storm Warnings were also in effect for inland locations in South Carolina, eastern Georgia, western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. 

Even though former Hurricane Helene weakened to a tropical storm as it moved over the southeastern U.S. on Friday, Helene still was dropping very heavy rain.  Heavy rain fell over parts of Georgia, South Carolina, western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and western Virginia.  The heavy rain caused rivers and streams to rise quickly in those areas and numerous flash flood and flood warnings were issued.

The Catawba River at Pleasant Gardens, North Carolina was at Record Flood level.  The Saluda River at Greenville, South Carolina was at Major Flood level.  The French Broad River at Blantyre, North Carolina was at Record Flood level.  The Pigeon River at Canton, North Carolina was at Record Flood level.  The Pigeon River at Newport, Tennessee was at Major Flood level.  The Swannanoa River at Biltmore, North Carolina was at Record Flood level.  Numerous other rivers and streams in the region were also flooding.  Many roads were impassible.

Over four million customers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina were experiencing electricity outages.

Tropical Storm Helene will move around the eastern side of an upper level low over the middle Mississippi River Valley.  The upper level low will steer Helene toward the north during the next 24 hours.  The circulation around Tropical Storm Helene will gradually merge with the circulation around the upper level low.

Tropical Storm Helene will continue to drop heavy rain on the southern Appalachians.  the heavy rain is likely to cause additional flash floods.  Helene will also bring gusty winds as far north as southern and central Ohio on Friday afternoon and evening.

Elsewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, former Tropical Storm Isaac intensified to a hurricane west of the Azores and Tropical Storm Joyce formed east of the Northern Leeward Islands.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Hurricane Isaac was located at latitude 37.4°N and longitude 46.8°W which put the center about 1080 miles (1740 km) west of the Azores.  Isaac was moving toward the east-northeast at 18 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 981 mb.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Joyce was located at latitude 18.1°N and longitude 42.9°W which put the center about 1325 miles (2130 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Joyce was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

Hurricane Helene Strengthens to Cat. 4

Hurricane Helene strengthened to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Thursday evening.  At 6:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Helene was located at latitude 28.0°N and longitude 84.5°W which put the center about 165 miles (270 km) south of Tallahassee, Florida.  Helene was moving toward the north-northeast at 23 m.p.h. (37 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 947 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Mexico Beach, Florida.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Englewood, Florida.  The Hurricane Watch includes Tampa Bay.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Flamingo, Florida.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Tampa Bay.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Lower and Middle Florida Keys west of Channel 5 Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Mexico Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo, Florida to Little River Inlet, South Carolina.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Lake Okeechobee. 

A NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft found that Hurricane Helene was continuing to strengthen to on Thursday evening.  An eye with a diameter of 30 miles (48 km) was at the center of Helene’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Helene.  Storms near the center of Helene generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of large quantities of mass was causing the surface pressure to decrease.

The circulation around Hurricane Helene was large.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Helene’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 345 miles (555 km) in the eastern side of Hurricane Helene.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the western side of Helene’s circulation.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) is 25.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 23.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) 48.7.  Hurricane Helene is stronger than Hurricane Irma was when Irma hit southwest Florida in 2017.  However, Helene is not quite as big as Irma was.

Hurricane Helene will move through an environment favorable for intensification for the next few hours.  Helene will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Hurricane Helene could intensify a little more during the next few hours.

Hurricane Helene will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Helene toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Helene will make landfall on the coast of northern Florida at Apalachee Bay Thursday evening.  Helene will be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast.

Hurricane Helene will be a major hurricane when it reaches northern Florida.  Helene will be a large and dangerous hurricane.  Hurricane Helene will bring strong winds and heavy rain to northern Florida.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods.

Flood Watches are in effect for Florida, eastern Alabama, Georgia, western South Carolina, western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

Helene could also cause a storm surge of up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) along portions of the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Mexico Beach to Flamingo, Florida.  The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

An upper level trough over the Mississippi River Valley will steer Hurricane Helene quickly toward the north-northeast after it makes landfall.  Since the circulation around Helene is so large, Hurricane Helene will produce hurricane force winds in inland locations as well.

Hurricane Warnings are in effect for parts of northern Florida, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia.  The Hurricane Warnings include Tallahassee, Florida and Macon, Georgia.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the Florida Peninsula, northwest Florida eastern Alabama, northern and eastern Georgia, all of South Carolina, southwestern North Carolina, and southeastern Tennessee.  The Tropical Storm Warnings include Atlanta, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.

Hurricane Helene is likely to cause widespread electricity outages as it moves inland over the southeastern U.S.

Helene Intensifies to a Major Hurricane

Hurricane Helene intensified to a major hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Thursday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Helene was located at latitude 26.7°N and longitude 84.9°W which put the center about 205 miles (335 km) south of Apalachicola, Florida.  Helene was moving toward the north-northeast at 16 m.p.h. (26 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 140 m.p.h. (225 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 959 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Mexico Beach, Florida.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Englewood, Florida.  The Hurricane Watch includes Tampa Bay.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Flamingo, Florida.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Tampa Bay.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Lower and Middle Florida Keys west of Channel 5 Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Mexico Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo, Florida to Little River Inlet, South Carolina.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Lake Okeechobee. 

A U.S. Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft found that Hurricane Helene had strengthened to a major hurricane on Thursday afternoon.  An eye with a diameter of 30 miles (48 km) was at the center of Helene’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Helene.  Storms near the center of Helene generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane.

The circulation around Hurricane Helene was large.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Helene’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 345 miles (555 km) in the eastern side of Hurricane Helene.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the western side of Helene’s circulation.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) is 22.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 17.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) 39.7.  Hurricane Helene is stronger than Hurricane Irma was when Irma hit southwest Florida in 2017.  However, Helene is not as big as Irma was.

Hurricane Helene will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Helene will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Helene is likely to intensify during the next few hours.  Helene could strengthen to Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Hurricane Helene will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Helene toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Helene will make landfall on the coast of northern Florida at Apalachee Bay Thursday evening.  Helene will be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast.

Hurricane Helene will be a major hurricane when it reaches northern Florida.  Helene will be a large and dangerous hurricane.  Hurricane Helene will bring strong winds and heavy rain to northern Florida.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods.

Flood Watches are in effect for Florida, eastern Alabama, Georgia, western South Carolina, western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

Helene could also cause a storm surge of up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) along portions of the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Mexico Beach to Flamingo, Florida.  The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

An upper level trough over the Mississippi River Valley will steer Hurricane Helene quickly toward the north-northeast after it makes landfall.  Since the circulation around Helene is so large, Hurricane Helene will produce hurricane force winds in inland locations as well.

Hurricane Warnings are in effect for parts of northern Florida, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia.  The Hurricane Warnings include Tallahassee, Florida and Macon, Georgia.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the Florida Peninsula, northwest Florida eastern Alabama, northern and eastern Georgia, all of South Carolina, southwestern North Carolina, and southeastern Tennessee.  The Tropical Storm Warnings include Atlanta, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.

Hurricane Helene is likely to cause widespread electricity outages as it moves inland over the southeastern U.S.

Hurricane Helene Strengthens to Cat. 2

Hurricane Helene strengthened to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Thursday morning.  At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Hurricane Helene was located at latitude 24.5°N and longitude 85.9°W which put the center about 365 miles (585 km) south of Apalachicola, Florida.  Helene was moving toward the north-northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 960 mb.

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Mexico Beach, Florida.

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Englewood, Florida.  The Hurricane Watch includes Tampa Bay.  .

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Anclote River to Flamingo, Florida.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Tampa Bay.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Lower and Middle Florida Keys west of Channel 5 Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Dry Tortugas.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Mexico Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Flamingo, Florida to Little River Inlet, South Carolina.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Lake Okeechobee.  A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the Cuban provinces of Artemisa, Pinar del Rio and Isle of Youth.

A U.S. Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft found that Hurricane Helene had strengthened to Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Scale on Thursday morning.  An eye with a diameter of 30 miles (48 km) was at the center of Helene’s circulation.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Hurricane Helene.  Storms near the center of Helene generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large quantities of mass away from the hurricane.  The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Hurricane Helene was large.  Winds to hurricane force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Helene’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 345 miles (555 km) in the eastern side of Hurricane Helene.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the western side of Helene’s circulation.

The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) is 16.5.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 17.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) 34.1.  Hurricane Helene is similar in intensity to Hurricane Idalia that hit northeast Florida in 2023.  However, Helene is much bigger than Idalia was.  Helene is still intensifying.  So, Helen will be stronger than Idalia was when i reaches the coast.

Hurricane Helene will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  Helene will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the eastern Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level winds are weak near the middle of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Hurricane Helene will intensify during the next 12 hours.  Helene is likely to strengthen to a major hurricane by Thursday afternoon.  Helene could intensify rapidly at times.

Hurricane Helene will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Helene toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Hurricane Helene will make landfall on the coast of northern Florida at Apalachee Bay Thursday evening.  Helene is likely to be a major hurricane when it reaches the coast

Hurricane Helene is likely to be a major hurricane when it reaches northern Florida.  Helene will be a large and dangerous hurricane.  Hurricane Helene will bring strong winds and heavy rain to northern Florida.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods.

Flood Watches are in effect for Florida, eastern Alabama, Georgia, western South Carolina, western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.

Helene could also cause a storm surge of up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) along portions of the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Mexico Beach to Flamingo, Florida.  The Storm Surge Warning includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

An upper level trough over the Mississippi River Valley will steer Hurricane Helene quickly toward the north-northeast after it makes landfall.  Since the circulation around Helene is so large, Hurricane Helene will produce hurricane force winds in inland locations as well.

Hurricane Warnings are in effect for parts of northern Florida, southeastern Alabama and southwestern Georgia.  The Hurricane Warnings include Tallahassee, Florida and Macon, Georgia.

Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect for the Florida Peninsula, northwest Florida eastern Alabama, northern and eastern Georgia, all of South Carolina, southwestern North Carolina, and southeastern Tennessee.  The Tropical Storm Warnings include Atlanta, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.

Hurricane Helene is likely to cause widespread electricity outages as it moves inland over the southeastern U.S.

Low Pressure System Drops Heavy Rain on North Carolina

A low pressure system designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight dropped heavy rain over parts of North Carolina on Monday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight was located at latitude 33.1°N and longitude 78.3°W which put the center about 60 miles (95 km) south-southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina.  The low pressure system was moving toward the north-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1005 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from South Santee River, South Carolina to Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina.

A low pressure system designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight dropped heavy rain over the area near Cape Fear, North Carolina.  Even though the center of circulation was still over the Atlantic Ocean, converging wind flows in the northern side of the low pressure system generated a band of persistent heavy rain.  Heavy rain fell over eastern South Carolina, and central and eastern North Carolina.  Widespread flooding was reported in Carolina Beach.

Flash Flood Warnings were in effect for Columbus County, Brunswick County and Bladen County.

The low pressure system designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will move around the southwestern part of high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of the low pressure system will move near the border between South Carolina and North Carolina.

The low pressure system designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will weaken steadily as it moves farther inland.  Even though the low pressure system will weaken, it will continue to drop heavy rain over parts of North Carolina.  Persistent heavy rain is likely to cause additional flooding.

Elsewhere, Tropical Depression Gordon continued to spin east of the Northern Leeward Islands.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression Gordon was located at latitude 19.1°N and longitude 48.1°W which put the center about 985 miles (1580 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Gordon was moving toward the west at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

 

Low Pressure System Prompts Tropical Storm Warning for the Carolinas

A potential risk posed by a low pressure system prompted the issuance of a Tropical Storm Warning for the coast of the Carolinas.  The low pressure system was designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight by the U.S. National Hurricane Center.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight was located at latitude 32.1°N and longitude 77.8°W which put the center about 140 miles (220 km) east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina.  The low pressure system was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina.  The Tropical Storm Warning includes Charleston, South Carolina.

An extratropical cyclone off the coast of the Carolinas began to exhibit some characteristics of a tropical storm on Sunday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of the low pressure system.  Bands of thunderstorms began to develop around the low pressure system.  However, the low pressure system was still close to a nearly stationary frontal system.  So, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern side of the low pressure system.  Bands in the southern part of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The distribution of winds speeds in Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the northern side of the low pressure system.  The winds in the southern side of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours.  The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the western part of an upper level low off the coast of the Southeast U.S.  The upper level low will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight could make a transition to a tropical cyclone during the next 12 hours.  It could also intensify on Monday.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the North Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer the low pressure system toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will make landfall on the coast of South Carolina northeast of Charleston on Monday afternoon.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of South Carolina and North Carolina.  The strong winds could cause electricity outages.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations,

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of South Carolina and eastern North Carolina.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight could cause a storm surge of up to 4 feet (1 meter) along the coast of eastern South Carolina and North Carolina.  Waves will also cause erosion of beaches.

Elsewhere, former Tropical Storm Gordon weakened to a tropical depression east of the Northern Leeward Islands.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression Gordon was located at latitude 19.2°N and longitude 46.1°W which put the center about 1115 miles (1790 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands.  Gordon was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

Tropical Storm Debby Moves Inland

Tropical Storm Debby moved inland over the eastern U.S. on Thursday morning.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located at latitude 34.8°N and longitude 80.2°W which put the center about 55 miles (90 km) east-southeast of Charlotte, North Carolina.  Debby was moving toward the north-northwest at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Surf City to Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina.

Tropical Storm Debby weakened gradually as it moved inland over South Carolina on Thursday morning.  The strongest winds were in bands in the part of Tropical Storm Debby that was still over the Atlantic Ocean.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 195 miles (315 km) east of the center of Debby’s circulation.  The winds were blowing at less than tropical storm force in the parts of Debby that were over land.

Bands of thunderstorms in the northern and eastern parts of Tropical Storm Debby were dropping heavy rain over eastern North Carolina and southern Virginia.  Flood Warnings were in effect for many counties in eastern North Carolina.

The Lumber River at Lumberton, North Carolina was at 17.73 feet (5.40 meters) which was in the Moderate Flood range.  The river was still rising.  The Rock River near Norwood, North Carolina was at 26.73 feet (8.15 meters) which was in the Minor Flood range.  The river was still rising.  The Little River at Manchester, North Carolina was at 23.46 feet (7.15 meters) which is in the Moderate Flood range.  The river was still rising.  The Little Pee Dee River near Galivants Ferry, South Carolina was at 9.25 feet (2.82 meters) which is in the Minor Flood range.  The river was still rising.

An upper level trough approaching the Great Lakes will steer Tropical Storm Debby more quickly toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  Debby will weaken to a tropical depression during the next few hours.  Even though the wind speeds will decrease further, Tropical Storm Debby will continue to drop heavy rain on the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in additional locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for North Carolina, Virginia, eastern West Virginia, central Pennsylvania, central and northeastern New York, northern Vermont, and northern New Hampshire.

Tropical Storm Debby Drops Heavy Rain on the Carolinas

Tropical Storm Debby dropped heavy rain on the Carolinas on Wednesday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located at latitude 32.9°N and longitude 79.5°W which put the center about 25 miles (40 km) east-northeast of Charleston, South Carolina.   Debby was moving toward the north-northwest at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h).   The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 994 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Edisto Beach, South Carolina to Surf City, North Carolina.  The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston, South Carolina.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Surf City to Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina.

Bands in the northern part of Tropical Storm Debby dropped heavy rain on eastern South Carolina and eastern North Carolina.  There were Flood Warnings for a number of rivers in eastern South Carolina and eastern North Carolina including the Cape Fear River, the Lumber River, the Little Pee Dee River and the Great Pee Dee River.

Drier air was still present near the center of Tropical Storm Debby.  There were a few thunderstorms near the center of Debby, but much of the middle of Debby’s circulation consisted of showers and lower clouds.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the outer parts of the circulation in northern side of Tropical Storm Debby.  Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in outer parts of the circulation in the southern side of Debby.

The distribution of winds in Tropical Storm Debby continued to be asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (300 km) in the eastern side of Debby’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the southwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Debby.  The winds in the northwestern quadrant, which was mostly over land, were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Debby will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Debby will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the southeastern U.S.  The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The drier air in the middle part of Debby’s circulation will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Debby is likely to maintain its intensity during the next few hours.

Tropical Storm Debby will move around the western side of high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Debby slowly toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Debby will cross the coast of South Carolina on Wednesday night.  An upper level trough approaching the Great Lakes will steer Debby more quickly toward the northeast on Friday.

Tropical Storm Debby will continue to drop heavy rain on parts of South Carolina and North Carolina on Thursday.  Since Debby will move slowly, persistent heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.  Tropical Storm Debby will drop heavy rain on the eastern slopes of the Appalachian Mountains on Friday.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, western Maryland, eastern West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Southerly winds blowing around the eastern side of Tropical Storm Debby will continue to push water toward the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina.  Debby could cause a storm surge of up to 4 feet (1 meter).

 

The wind

Tropical Storm Debby Strengthens

Tropical Storm Debby strengthened over the Atlantic Ocean southeast of South Carolina on Wednesday.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located at latitude 32.4°N and longitude 79.1°W which put the center about 55 miles (90 km) east-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina.  Debby was moving toward the northeast at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 995 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Savannah River Georgia to Surf City, North Carolina.  The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston, South Carolina.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Surf City to Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina.

Tropical Storm Debby strengthened on Wednesday morning as it moved slowly over the Atlantic Ocean southeast of South Carolina.  A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft found winds to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) in a band more than 100 miles (160 km) southeast of the center of Debby’s circulation.  The winds in the other parts of Tropical Storm Debby were not as strong.

More thunderstorms began to form in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Debby after more of Debby’s circulation moved over the Atlantic Ocean.  There were only a few thunderstorms near the center of Debby’s circulation because drier air was still present in the middle of that circulation.  However, more water vapor was evaporating into the air and the air was becoming moister.  Some of the thunderstorms in Debby started to generate more upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The distribution of wind speed around Tropical Storm Debby was very asymmetrical.  The strongest winds were occurring in the southeastern quadrant of Debby’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (300 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Tropical Storm Debby.  Winds to tropical storm force extended 140 miles (225 km) in the northeastern and southwestern quadrants of Debby’s circulation.  The winds in the northwestern quadrant of Tropical Storm Debby were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Debby will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Debby will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the southeastern U.S.  The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The drier air in the middle part of Debby’s circulation will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Debby could continue to intensify slowly during the next few hours.

Tropical Storm Debby will move around the western side of high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Debby slowly toward the north during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Debby will approach the coast of South Carolina on Wednesday night.

Tropical Storm Debby will continue to drop heavy rain on parts of South Carolina, North Carolina and eastern Georgia.   Since Debby will move slowly, persistent heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of South Carolina, North Carolina and eastern Georgia.

Southerly winds blowing around the eastern side of Tropical Storm Debby will continue to push water toward the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina.  Debby could cause a storm surge of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters).

 

 

Center of Tropical Storm Debby Near Savannah

The center of Tropical Storm Debby was near Savannah, Georgia on Tuesday morning.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located at latitude 31.9°N and longitude 81.0°W which put the center about 15 miles (25 km) south of Savannah, Georgia.  Debby was moving toward the east-northeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Altamaha Sound Georgia to Surf City, North Carolina.  The Tropical Storm Warning included Charleston, South Carolina.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Surf City to Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina.

Tropical Storm Debby continued to drop heavy rain over parts of South Carolina and eastern Georgia.  The airport at Charleston, South Carolina reported 8.11 inches (206 mm) of rain during the past 24 hours.  Valdosta, Georgia received 2.75 inches (70 mm) of rain.  Sarasota, Florida reported 11.06 inches (281 mm) of rain from Debby.  Gainesville, Florida received 6.80 inches (173 mm) of rain.  Jacksonville, Florida reported 4.70 inches (119 mm) of rain.  It is likely that higher rainfall totals occurred in some places where bands moved persistently over the same locations.

Southerly winds blowing around the eastern side of Tropical Storm Debby were pushing water toward the coast of South Carolina.  There were numerous reports of water in streets in Charleston, South Carolina.

Tropical Storm Debby weakened during the day it spent moving slowly across northern Florida and southeastern Georgia.  Drier air wrapped around the western and southern sides of Debby’s circulation.  Bands in the southwestern and southeastern quadrants of Tropical Storm Debby consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Showers and thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the outer parts of the northeastern and northwestern quadrants of Tropical Storm Debby.  There were also showers and lower clouds near the center of Debby.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Debby was also asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 205 miles (330 km) in the eastern side of Debby.  Those winds were occurring in bands in the outer parts of Debby’s circulation.  The winds in the parts of Debby’s circulation that were over land were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Debby will move into an environment favorable for intensification.  Debby will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge over the southeastern U.S.  The upper level winds are weak near the center of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The drier air in the southern part of Debby’s circulation will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Debby is likely to intensify slowly during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Debby will be in an area where the steering winds are weak during the next 24 hours.  Debby is likely to move slowly toward the east-northeast during the rest of Tuesday.  A high pressure system located east of Tropical Storm Debby is forecast to strengthen on Wednesday.  That high pressure system will steer Debby slowly toward the north on Wednesday.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Debby could approach the coast of South Carolina on Wednesday night.

Tropical Storm Debby will continue to drop heavy rain on parts of South Carolina, North Carolina and eastern Georgia.  Since Debby will move slowly, persistent heavy rain is likely to cause floods.

Flood Watches are in effect for parts of South Carolina, North Carolina and eastern Georgia.

Southerly winds blowing around the eastern side of Tropical Storm Debby will continue to push water toward the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina.  Debby could cause a storm surge of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters).

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Altamaha Sound, Georgia, to South Santee River, South Carolina.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from South Santee River, South Carolina to Cape Fear, North Carolina.