Tropical Storm Debby will make landfall in Florida’s Gulf Coast on Monday, possibly having strengthened to a Cat. 1 hurricane, setting the stage in Chatham County for days of heavy rainfall and occasional wind gusts. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Coastal Chatham County from late Sunday through Friday morning.

CEMA is advising Chatham County to prepare for the likelihood that Debby will bring “heavy rainfall with the potential for flash flooding.” Enki Research predicts “12-16 inches in the area from Brunswick to Charleston.” Sign up for weather alerts and emergency communications with CEMA at chathamemergency.org. Stay prepared with the sites and tools below. As previously reported, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts a hurricane season that is more active than normal. UPDATE: 3:15 p.m.
Based on expected impacts from Tropical Storm Debby, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II has declared a state of local emergency in Savannah effective Aug. 4 at noon. A state of local emergency provides the City Manager the authority to execute emergency management plans and procure necessary resources to prepare for and respond to any impacts brought on by Tropical Strom Debby.
Currently, Chatham County is under a Tropical Storm Watch, Storm Surge Watch and Flood Watch. The greatest impact will be the potential for historic rainfall, coastal flooding, 2-4 feet of storm surge, rip currents, severe flash flooding, and tropical storm force winds. Residents in low-lying areas should state alert for possible flooding.

City crews have already begun preparation for the storm, clearing storm drains and providing additional maintenance to storm water systems. Should rainfall totals reach the forecasted amounts of 10-30 inches it will exceed the City system’s capacity and serious street flooding will occur.

The City will implement an orderly closure of street sections in flood prone areas. More information on street closures will be provided on Monday. The City will provide residents and businesses with sand and sandbags ahead of the forecasted rainfall. Sandbags will be limited to five per household and residents are asked to bring their own shovel to fill the bags. Sandbags will be available Sunday, Aug. 4 from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. while supplies last at the following locations:

• Parking lot, EnMarket Arena, 620 Stiles Ave.
• Savannah Fire Station #8, 2824 Bee Road
• Savannah Fire Station #7, 6902 Sallie Mood Dr.
• Savannah Fire Station #15, 1751 Grove Point Rd.

Savannah residents and businesses are urged to review emergency plans and kits ahead of the arrival of inclement weather. Information on preparedness can be found at www.savannahga.gov/debby.

This article appears in Connect Savannah I July 2024.