There is a high--70% or greater--risk for flash flooding projected for Savannah as a result of Tropical Storm Debby.

'Potentially historic heavy rainfall' possible through Friday in SE Georgia with Hurricane Debby

Where to find sandbags in Savannah? Debby is expected to bring flash floods, potential wind gusts to Savannah beginning Monday

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Tropical Storm Debby will make landfall in Florida's Gulf Coast on Monday, possibly having strengthened to a Cat. 1 hurricane, setting the stage in Chatham County for days of heavy rainfall and occasional wind gusts. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Coastal Chatham County from late Sunday through Friday morning.

HURRICANE DEBBY UPDATES: City of Savannah to close offices Tuesday: Mayor, City Manager on Sunday night livestream: Prepare for 'thousand-year flood event;' Debby becomes hurricane late Sunday night

CEMA is advising Chatham County to prepare for the likelihood that Debby will bring "heavy rainfall with the potential for flash flooding." Enki Research predicts "12-16 inches in the area from Brunswick to Charleston." Sign up for weather alerts and emergency communications with CEMA at chathamemergency.org. Stay prepared with the sites and tools below.

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'Potentially historic heavy rainfall' possible through Friday in SE Georgia with Hurricane Debby (5)

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'Potentially historic heavy rainfall' possible through Friday in SE Georgia with Hurricane Debby (4)

As previously reported, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts a hurricane season that is more active than normal.

Are you prepared for an above-normal hurricane season?: Understanding hurricanes and tools for preparedness and safety.

UPDATE: 3:15 p.m.
Based on expected impacts from Tropical Storm Debby, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II has declared a state of local emergency in Savannah effective Aug. 4 at noon. A state of local emergency provides the City Manager the authority to execute emergency management plans and procure necessary resources to prepare for and respond to any impacts brought on by Tropical Strom Debby.

HURRICANE CHUCK: Watson, ENKI Research still bringing the same smarts (and snark) to public seeking storm info

Currently, Chatham County is under a Tropical Storm Watch, Storm Surge Watch and Flood Watch. The greatest impact will be the potential for historic rainfall, coastal flooding, 2-4 feet of storm surge, rip currents, severe flash flooding, and tropical storm force winds. Residents in low-lying areas should state alert for possible flooding.

City crews have already begun preparation for the storm, clearing storm drains and providing additional maintenance to storm water systems. Should rainfall totals reach the forecasted amounts of 10-30 inches it will exceed the City system’s capacity and serious street flooding will occur.

Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools announce closures in anticipation of Debby: Press Release from SCCPSS: Schools in operation for half day on Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday

The City will implement an orderly closure of street sections in flood prone areas. More information on street closures will be provided on Monday. The City will provide residents and businesses with sand and sandbags ahead of the forecasted rainfall. Sandbags will be limited to five per household and residents are asked to bring their own shovel to fill the bags. Sandbags will be available Sunday, Aug. 4 from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. while supplies last at the following locations:

Parking lot, EnMarket Arena, 620 Stiles Ave.
Savannah Fire Station #8, 2824 Bee Road
Savannah Fire Station #7, 6902 Sallie Mood Dr.
Savannah Fire Station #15, 1751 Grove Point Rd.

Savannah residents and businesses are urged to review emergency plans and kits ahead of the arrival of inclement weather. Information on preparedness can be found at www.savannahga.gov/debby.