Debby makes landfall near Bulls Bay; more heavy rain for our area

(WPDE) — 2 A.M. THURSDAY UPDATE

We've been very lucky. Tropical Storm Debby ingested tons of dry air, which helped to cut down on extreme rain totals so far. That said, there WILL be rounds of extremely heavy rain.

GALLERY: Tropical Storm Debby drenches Grand Strand & Pee Dee

Around 2 a.m. Thursday, Debby made landfall as a tropical storm near Bulls Bay, South Carolina with a minimum central pressure of 995 millibars and maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour.

Bulls Bay is no stranger to tropical activity of historic nature, as with 1989's Hurricane Hugo, Bulls Bay recorded 20-foot storm surge. This storm surge at Bulls Bay with Hugo is still the highest storm surge the eastern coast of the U.S. has ever recorded.

TIMING

Thursday will be rainy and windy with conditions improving Friday.

Then, we're back to typical summertime weather this weekend.

RAIN

As of Thursday at midnight, as high as 10 inches of rainfall has fallen from the storm in Loris. The average of these 20 measurements is 6.32 inches of rainfall.

Most areas will receive an additional one to four inches of rainfall through Thursday. Higher amounts are possible in areas that see more heavy bands.

Major flooding could occur in the areas seeing persistent heavy rain. Flash flooding can lead to ditches and retention ponds overflowing, washed-out roads, and the possibility of water entering structures.

Take flash flood warnings seriously!

TOP STORY: Grand Strand & Pee Dee areas declare emergency due to Debby

Significant flooding can occur in those areas that get more heavy rain.

All river gauges are forecast to moderate to major flood stages, save the Lumber River at Nichols. The Weather Authority Team will monitor river levels through the weekhere.

WIND

Gusty to blustery conditions are anticipated to continue Thursday morning.

Winds will fall quickly Thursday evening and Friday. With all the rain and loose soil, a few trees could fall, and isolated power outages would be possible.

TORNADO

Thursday, a small tornado risk still exists for parts of Horry, Marion, Dillon, Robeson, and Columbus counties.

Any storms capable of spinning will quickly move in from offshore. Have multiple ways to receive warning information in the green both days.

ALONG THE COAST

The Storm Surge Watch has been canceled as Debby is now expected to bring between one to three feet of surge to the immediate coast.

A high risk of rip currents remains through the week, dropping to Moderate on Saturday.

WHEN DOES IT END?

Weather should improve later Friday and Saturday but flooding and/or power outages may linger for longer.

Many area rivers will rise into moderate or major flood stage later this week, this weekend, and into next week.

TRENDING: Power outages reported in Grand Strand & Pee Dee

Stay tuned for more updates from WPDE. Make sure you download the WPDE Weather App. Search "WPDE WX" in the iOS App Store or Google Play.