Tropical Storm Debby Moves up Eastern US, Leaves 5 Dead

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Facts

  • Tropical Storm Debby is progressing northeast along the coast of Georgia and South Carolina — the National Hurricane Center has said it may cause 'historic heavy rainfall' and flooding.[1]
  • So far, five deaths have been reported in Florida and one in Georgia as a result of the storm, which could reportedly cause 10-30 inches of rain. Eastern Georgia, and South and North Carolina may face 'catastrophic flooding.'[2]
  • While nearly 150K were without power in Florida on Monday, Sarasota police rescued 500 people from flood waters. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has also warned of 'flooding in areas that never flooded in the past.'[3]
  • Debby is set to move away from land and over the Atlantic by Wednesday, before potentially making landfall again Thursday north of Charleston, South Carolina. Lingering over the ocean, there are suggestions it could intensify and that the flooding may be prolonged.[4][5]
  • Savannah and Charleston have imposed curfews due to the threat of the storm. Pres. Joe Biden has also cleared emergency declarations by the Governors of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.[6]
  • Warmer ocean temperatures and calmer weather, attributed to a weakening El Nino, are believed to have influenced Debby's intensity. At least 23 named tropical storms are predicted this year.[4][7]

Sources: [1]Washington Post, [2]NBC, [3]Reuters, [4]New York Times (a), [5]The Weather Channel, [6]CBS and [7]New York Times (b).

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Cyprus-Mail. The harsh reality of climate change is laid bare with every new storm warning. Hurricanes like Debby will only grow more frequent and intense hereon. Warmer temperatures are creating an atmosphere that can hold more rain and moisture, bringing heavier rainfall. Hurricane seasons are also growing longer and reaching areas that don't normally experience them.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Forbes. While activists are quick to assert that climate change is behind the perceived increase in the number of violent storms, the reality is different. Data shows that climate change is not a driver of hurricanes and other tropical storms. However, increased coastal property development has expanded the financial damage storms cause, even as better technology has made observing and tracking them easier.

Predictions