Tropical Storm Debby continues to unleash massive rainfall as it travels up the East Coast, with trillions of gallons falling in affected areas. As of Friday, the storm has led to at least eight fatalities and extensive flooding across many communities. Debby has also caused significant damage to roads and dams, with water levels in streams and rivers rising dramatically in just a few hours.

Here’s an overview of Tropical Storm Debby’s current position, its expected movement, weekend forecasts, and the flooding it has caused since making landfall in Florida on Monday:

Current Status of Debby

Record-Breaking Rainfall from Debby in the South

The storm has generated multiple tornadoes, including at least one lethal incident, while delivering heavy rain to Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, resulting in severe flooding and overwhelming several communities. In some areas, rainfall and stream levels have reached unprecedented highs.

Projected Rainfall from Debby

After making its second landfall in South Carolina on Thursday, Debby is expected to dump an additional six inches of rain across various areas over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service, leading to more flash flooding risks.

Ongoing Flash Flood Risks from Hurricane Debby

Flash floods have resulted in water rescues, submerged roads, and breached dams, with strong winds causing downed trees and tangled power lines. The forecast remains grim, with flood risks expected to persist through Sunday morning.

Power Outages Affecting Over 250,000 People

As of Thursday morning, over 300,000 customers in affected states have faced power outages in the last three days, according to YSL News’s power outage database. Many residents in Florida have been without power for days, and significant outages are beginning to occur in Virginia as well.

Flooding Overwhelming Waterways and Creating Dangerous Conditions

Natural bodies of water like rivers, bayous, and lakes ideally manage water levels during rainfall. However, extended periods of heavy rain can disrupt water flow, causing it to stall or even reverse direction.

Less Damage Than Initially Anticipated

“Although the rainfall amounts are not expected to reach the dire predictions of nearly 30 inches, significant rain totals of 10 to 20 inches within just a few days are still remarkable,” stated Steve Bowen, chief science officer at Gallagher Re, a reinsurance agency. He referenced past hurricanes like Florence in 2018 and Matthew in 2016 that caused severe flooding in the Carolinas.

Bowen noted that initial economic losses from Debby will primarily stem from water damage and could reach several billion dollars. “The costs from Florence were around $30 billion in today’s money,” he added. While Debby’s rainfall will cover a wider area, the total amounts are expected to be less severe.

Given the severity of the flooding, Bowen remarked, “This demonstrates that while there is often a focus on the intensity category of a tropical storm, it’s the water impacts—whether coastal or inland—that can be the most fatal and destructive.”