ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Hurricane Debby made landfall in northern Floriday Monday morning as a Category 1 storm, bringing with it the threat for torrential rainfall and flooding in parts of the Carolinas later in the week.

The exact impacts from Debby on the Carolinas are hard to predict at this time, but it’s likely the storm will bring flooding to much of South Carolina and some areas of eastern North Carolina later in the week. At this point, it appears Western North Carolina will see rainfall from the storm, but this could change with the storm’s path.

The National Hurricane Center’s 5 a.m. advisory on Monday, Aug. 5 said the storm could bring potentially historic heavy rainfall across southeast Georgia and the coastal plain of South Carolina through Saturday morning, resulting in areas of catastrophic flooding. Heavy rainfall will also likely result in “considerable flooding impacts” from portions of central and northern Florida and across portions of central and northeast North Carolina through Saturday morning.

Be careful if you have any beach plans

The National Hurricane Center says dangerous storm surge and wind impacts are expected along portions of the southeast U.S. coast from northeastern Florida to North Carolina through the middle of the week. Storm surge warnings and tropical storm watches and warnings are in effect for portions of these areas.

The National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg says the storm could possibly affect the western Carolinas during the middle to late part of the week. Heavy rain looks like the main threat, mainly over the Piedmont of the Carolinas.

Haywood County Emergency Services shared the National Weather Service’s post on Facebook, adding, “The trouble with Tropical Storms is that they’re not a problem for WNC…until they are.” The agency reminded area residents that it’s hard to predict a storm’s path early on, so it’s best to prepare in any case. Haywood County was one of several areas of Western North Carolina devastated by remnants of Tropical Storm Fred back in August 2021.

The NC State Emergency Operations Center has moved to an Enhanced Watch Status as of Aug. 5 to begin coordination of response operations for Debby. An Enhanced Watch Status is the second level of the three tiered activation system that places focus on state personnel to support local government preparations ahead of an event.

North Carolina Emergency Management officials offer these tips for being prepared and remaining safe during severe storms:

  • Pay close attention to your local weather forecast, and be aware of conditions expected in your area.
  • Have a way to receive weather watches and warnings, like a weather app on your cell phone.
  • Follow directions from your local emergency officials.
  • Do not drive on flooded roads – Turn around, don’t drown.
  • Be prepared for the possibility of power outages. Use battery powered light sources – avoid candles.
  • If your power goes out, never use generators or barbecue grills in your home or garage – they create deadly carbon monoxide fumes that can kill.
  • Stay away from any downed power lines and report them to your power company.
  • Visit ReadyNC.gov for instructions on how to prepare and assemble your family emergency kit and templates for an emergency plan.
  • Visit DriveNC.gov for information on road closings from NC Department of Transportation.

Click here for the local forecast.