Tropical Storm Debby, which has already made landfall twice in South Carolina, is expected to hit the tri-state area by Friday. The storm is predicted to bring heavy rain and potential flooding to New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The New York City area could see two to four inches of rain from Debby, which is expected to move in tomorrow afternoon and evening. The ground is already saturated from rains earlier this week, increasing the risk of flash flooding.
Debby first made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane early Monday on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is now a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds at 50 mph. The storm is expected to continue moving inland, spreading heavy rain and possible flooding all the way up through the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast by the weekend. According to ABC7NY, considerable flooding is expected across parts of eastern South Carolina and southeast North Carolina through Friday, with an additional 3 to 9 inches of rain forecast, as well as in portions of Virginia.
Emergency officials in New York City have warned of potential flash flooding, flying drones with loudspeakers in some neighborhoods to tell people in basement apartments to be ready to flee at a moment's notice. Multiple water rescues have been reported in and near the city. A major part of the region is under a medium risk for flash flooding Friday afternoon into the overnight hours.