Tropical Storm Debby is shaping up to bring more rain to the Shenandoah Valley than originally predicted, according to an AccuWeather senior meteorologist.
Rainfall through Friday night could total anywhere from two to four inches in the Valley.
“Tropical Storm Debby will likely impact the Shenandoah Valley the next few days, especially Thursday night and Friday. Before then, there can be a couple of showers on Wednesday and Thursday,” said Thomas Kines, director of forecaster scheduling at AccuWeather.
Fifteen localities in Virginia have been declared disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture due to severe drought conditions, so the potential for rain is welcome news for most of the region.
“The local area can probably handle two inches of rain without any serious flooding issues, but four inches can cause flooding, especially along the smaller streams and creeks and low-lying areas that are usually prone to flooding,” Kines said.
For those looking to vacation in the Outer Banks or Virginia Beach area this week, flooding and beach erosion is a major concern. Kines said four to eight inches of rain is possible in both areas, and wind gusts may reach 50 to 60 mph.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency this afternoon based on National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center forecasts that indicate a tropical storm with significant rainfall and flooding across the entire state could cause transportation difficulties and power outages.
However, Kines said, once Debby leaves the region, pleasant weather is on the way.
“Once Debby gets out of our hair early Saturday, the weekend looks like dry with lowering humidity,” Kines said. “Wooohoooo! Open the windows!”
The comfortable weather should continue into early next week.
Debby made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend Monday morning as a Category I hurricane with powerful winds and heavy rain. More than 20 inches of rain fell near Sarasota, Fla.
Now a tropical storm, flood watches and warnings have been issued from Florida to South Carolina. A state of emergency has also been declared in Georgia and South Carolina as residents are urged to prepare now for the storm.
Due to the slow-moving nature of the tropical storm, there is potential for historic flooding in the Southeast.
Five people have reportedly died in connection with the storm. Tornados associated with Debby have also caused additional damage in its path.
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Crystal Graham
