Weather Service: Extreme Flood Risk Increasing in Next Few Days from Debby

An extreme risk to lives and property from widespread flooding is expanding across the Southeast this week before Debby makes a second landfall in the Carolinas and then quickly shifts to the Northeast, according to AccuWeather.

The weather services is forecasting Debby to be recognized as the “next billion-dollar weather disaster” in the U.S., with flooding disasters possible in multiple communities this week.

Related: Storm Debby Threatens Carolinas With Possible Floods, Tornados

“People need to be prepared for potentially catastrophic flooding,” stated AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter. “When all is said and done, in fact, there could be tens of billions of dollars in total damage and economic impact from Debby.”

Debby has slowed as it moves along the southeast U.S. It is expected to produce up to 2 feet or more of rain in parts of Georgia and South Carolina, according to AccuWeather.

Related: Hurricane Debby Threatens to Flood U.S. East After Hitting Florida

The flooding risk extends more than 100 miles inland from the coastline across much of the Southeast this week.

AccuWeather says along with heavy rainfall in the Southeast, Debby brings a risk of tornadoes, dangerous storm surge, a rip current risk and extensive beach erosion. Portions of beaches from Georgia through the Carolinas could be washed away. Between 3 to 6 feet of storm surge is expected across this area, with a small area expected to have 6 to 10 feet of storm surge.

Related: AccuWeather: Tropical Threat Developing in Atlantic Could be Next Named Storm

Wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph may occur along the Carolina coasts, which could bring down trees and power lines and cause some structural damage.

AccuWeather meteorologists say Debby will continue to create major travel and business disruptions, with up to 1,000 flight cancellations Wednesday and Thursday, and 1,200 flight cancellations on Friday.

Debby is expected to eventually shift directions toward the Northeast later this week. Rounds of heavy rain will expand from central Virginia to eastern Maine. Rainfall totals of an inch or more are expected across most of Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and most of New England, according to AccuWeather.