Lots of rain is headed to NoVA from the remnants of what is now Tropical Storm Debby, and that rain could cause flooding.
Rainfall totals between Thursday night and Saturday morning could be between 2 and 4 inches, according to NBC4 meteorologist Chuck Bell.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency ahead of Debby’s arrival. A state of emergency allows Virginia to mobilize the necessary resources and equipment to handle any emergencies that arise, such as flooding, storm surge, and power outages, as well as any rescues.
Follow the Virginia Department of Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook for emergency preparedness updates.
Debby has already caused problems in the South as its moved its way up the coast and is expected to make a second U.S. landfall along the South Carolina coast on Wednesday night. Over 700 Federal Emergency Management Agency staffers have been deployed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. A dam in Savannah, Georgia, is in danger of “imminent failure,” the weather service said.
The National Weather Service has not issued any alerts for NoVA. The current forecast calls for moderate to locally heavy rains in southern Virginia on Wednesday and heavier rain with the possibility of flash flooding on Thursday in south-central Virginia.
“The continued slow motions of Debby through Thursday will produce rainfall totals in the 4-8 inch range, with locally heavier amounts, across northeast South Carolina, southeast to central North Carolina into western Virginia, eastern West Virginia and far western Maryland. Flood watches are currently in effect across these areas, affecting approximately 19 million people,” the weather service said.
What Debby Will Bring to NoVA
The forecast for NoVA calls for scattered showers Wednesday, with an 80 percent chance of heavier rain Thursday.
Bell said that Friday will be the day when we see the possibility of tropical downpours with rates of 2 inches of rain per hour.
The rain will end late Friday night with the weekend turning pleasant with temperatures in the mid-80s and sunshine, according to Bell.
Ahead of the rains and tropical winds, you may want to secure or bring any outdoor furniture inside, clear your gutters, charge cellphones, and make sure your emergency kit is stocked.
Feature image by Goffkein/stock.adobe.com
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