Warnings have been issued regarding the possibilities of further tornadoes forming as Storm Debby threatens states across the US.
The tropical depression is already causing problems at airports. There are reports of a death in a tornado in North Carolina, and disruptions elsewhere are likely to come as the storm moves north-east.
Hurricane Debby
Hurricane Debby began to form last week in the Caribbean, and was classified as a Category 1 hurricane once it reached sustained wind speeds of above 74mph.
Category 1 is the weakest form of hurricane according to wind speed, and Debby continues to weaken as it moves inland, but it comes with dangers aside from wind speeds.
Current Location
The storm is deep inland now, and, as of writing, the eye is above southern Virginia.
It has slowed to the point that it is no longer classified as a hurricane, but as a tropical depression.
Tornado Danger
Tornadoes forming in the wake of the storm are causing serious issues for US residents, and one person was reportedly killed in Wilson County.
3 tornadoes were reported overnight in Wilson County, and buildings were devastated by the natural disasters.
Terrifying Personal Account
One Lucama, North Carolina resident, Genesis Cooper, described the visceral feeling of a tornado wreaking havoc through his house to The Guardian newspaper.
As they heard shattering and crashes, he said: “I can’t even describe it. It’s like, suction, that’s what it felt like. Like something is squeezing, like your ears are popping.”
Heavy Rain
Storm Debby is slow-moving, and much of the issues people will be facing will be due to the downpours it generates.
Major metropolitan areas, including New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and Atlantic City, all carry a risk of flash floods.
Tri-State Area
The large storm is moving through parts of the tri-state area of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York.
The heaviest rain is expected during the period from the afternoon on Friday through to Saturday morning.
Tornado Watch
Some areas should be particularly wary of tornadoes, as conditions are expected to be ripe for their formation.
The western areas are expected to be particularly susceptible to tornado formation, so residents will have to take precautions.
Tornado Precautions
There are several precautions residents can take if tornadoes form in their area, including finding shelter, and staying away from the windows and doors.
It is best to avoid going under bridges, and you can protect your body from debris with blankets and furniture.
Flood Precautions
Areas hit with floods will also have to take precautions from the weather, and the New York City Office of Emergency Management offer some guidance.
They said that, in a flooding scenario, “move to higher ground or a higher floor. If you must travel, use caution.”
