How Debby could impact the Carolinas, and when

Tropical Storm Debby was strengthening rapidly Sunday and was predicted to become a hurricane as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico on a collision course with the Florida coast.

The National Hurricane Center said in an update posted at 8 a.m. Sunday that Debby was strengthening over the southeastern Gulf and expected to be a hurricane before making landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida. That’s expected to happen Sunday night into Monday.

FORECAST: Heat and humidity, but fewer showers expected

Here in the Carolinas, we’ll be looking out for Debby’s remnants this week.

After the storm makes landfall in Florida, its remnants will likely move up over Georgia and the Carolinas, according to Severe Weather Center 9 . The heaviest rains and major flooding will be near the coast, but we have to watch the system to see how much rain it gets in the Charlotte area Wednesday to Saturday.

In the Channel 9 viewing area, the risk for flooding could grow for us as several inches of rain is possible.

The highest risk area will be southeast of Charlotte.

The added moisture will likely keep our temperatures somewhat cooler.

Pay attention to the updates over the next few days because this forecast could change dramatically.

SC governor declares State of Emergency

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency in the Palmetto State ahead of Debby.

McMaster issued the executive order Sunday and asked South Carolinians to take proper precautions ahead of the storm.

“Team South Carolina is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Debby and has begun preparing for its potential impact on our state,” McMaster said in a statement. “With a potentially significant rainfall event forecast for the next few days, it is critical that residents in potentially affected areas start making preparations and plans today—in case it is necessary to take quick action.”

The storm is expected to slow down, impacting South Carolina early this week, reads a news release from the governor’s office. It will bring heavy rain resulting in life-threatening flash flooding as well as urban and river flooding. Strong winds and storm surges can also be expected.

On Saturday, McMaster posted on social media that South Carolina would provide assistance to Florida.

In the post on X , formerly Twitter, McMaster said the state’s National Guard would activate 70 service members, deploy 30 high-water vehicles, and provide additional resources as needed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

(WATCH BELOW: Severe storms, microburst hit North Carolina Foothills)