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Tropical Storm Debby live updates: Dangerous flooding ongoing for Southeast

The rain is focused on the Carolinas through Thursday and then will move north.

Last Updated: August 6, 2024, 5:35 PM EDT

Tropical Storm Debby is slamming the Southeast with heavy rain after making landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane on Monday.

At least six people have been killed in Florida and Georgia.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
3:13 PM EDT

Latest forecast

The highest rain total so far is south of Tampa, Florida, where about 19 inches of rain fell.

In Georgia, more than 11 inches of rain struck northwest of Savannah, and in South Carolina, 14 inches of rain was recorded between Charleston and Hilton Head Island.

On Tuesday afternoon, Debby is located about 10 miles southeast of Savannah and is crawling north at a very slow speed.

PHOTO: Tropical Storm Debby Forecast Track Map
ABC News

The heavy rain will stretch from Charleston to Wilmington, North Carolina, on Tuesday. Storm surge could reach 4 feet from Savannah to Cape Fear, North Carolina, and tornadoes are possible.

Flash flood warnings are in effect for Savannah, Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Rainfall rates could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour during the heaviest downpours, which will bring more flooding.

PHOTO: Flash Flood Threat through Thursday Map
ABC News

The worst of the rain is expected along the South Carolina-North Carolina border through Thursday evening. A rare "high risk" for flash flooding was issued from Charleston to Raleigh, North Carolina, where rain totals could climb to 25 inches through Thursday.

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9 hours and 49 minutes ago

What to expect Tuesday evening

Debby is moving at just 3 mph, with its center located about 10 miles east of Savannah, Georgia, as of 5 p.m. ET.

Tornadoes are possible in South Carolina and North Carolina on Tuesday night.

After a day of heavy rainfall, the coastal cities of Savannah and Charleston, South Carolina, could see a few more inches of rain this week. Both cities are under flash flood warnings.

But going forward, the worst of the rain will be focused further north. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Lumberton, North Carolina, are forecast to get hit the hardest over the next 24 to 36 hours.

10 hours and 17 minutes ago

More than 1,100 flights canceled

More than 1,100 flights have been canceled within, into or out of the U.S. on Tuesday as Debby slams the Southeast and thunderstorms strike the Northeast. Ground stops are in place at the New York City area's three airports.

3:23 PM EDT

South Carolina braces for severe flooding

The threat of severe flooding is very high across South Carolina with Tropical Storm Debby "creeping across our state," South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster warned on Tuesday.

Pedestrians make their way down Montagu St. in Charleston, S.C., as Tropical Storm Debby approaches, Aug. 6, 2024.
Mic Smith/AP

The rain from the slow-moving storm may be particularly heavy from Myrtle Beach to the North Carolina border, the governor said.

Forty-eight state roads are closed due to flooding and 50 high-water vehicles are at the ready to respond, he said.

1:53 PM EDT

More than 90,000 customers without power in Florida

More than 90,000 customers remain without power in Florida, more than 24 hours after Debby tore through the state.

"Restoration is taking longer in areas with flooding and heavy vegetation, as crews must wait for the water to recede and clear through debris before they can restore power," Florida Power & Light said Tuesday morning. "Rest assured, we’ll continue working until everyone who can safely receive power is restored. Avoid these flooded areas and stay away from downed power lines."

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