PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (GA NC SC) Impacts of Debby: SAWSC (UPDATE 2)

Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:38:50 EDT

Summary: Tropical Storm Debby is expected to continue bringing heavy rainfall to portions of the Carolinas through Thursday resulting in areas of considerable flooding.

Today South Carolina deployed three teams (two people each) and six individuals to obtain discharge measurements or make gage repairs. 11 different stations were measured for rating development. Five gage repairs were completed.

North Carolina continues to prepare for the forecasted rainfall by installing and surveying high stage secondary sensors (CSGs and submersible pressure transducers) in the vicinity of Greenville, SC. They are stationing a crew of two in Greensboro, NC and another team of two in Fayetteville in order to be staged and ready to measure mid to high stage flows that may occur later in the week.

In Georgia, Savannah sent four teams of two out to make high flow measurements and gage repairs today. Savannah is also installing an RDG for Georgia DOT (GDOT) near the I-16 crossing of Lotts Creek. This is due to rising waters in this ungaged creek caused by rainfall and over-burdened dams upstream. Norcross deployed two teams of two to help support the Tifton and Savannah offices. Tifton also sent one team of two to help support Savannah and another team of three out for their own gages. A total of seven high water discharge measurements were made in Georgia. One team obtained the highest discharge measurement of record for 02198100 and extended the rating. Another team made the highest discharge measurement of record at 02227500 at 15.32 ft and 19,800 cfs. This will be a new POR peak for this station through 75 years of record. Four gage repairs were also made at Georgia sites.

USGS interaction continues with FEMA, SCDOT, GDOT, USACE Charleston and Savannah, SCEMD, and NWS offices. SAWSC Field Office Chiefs and Data Chiefs are also in constant communication to ensure that resources and knowledge are shared effectively.