Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that modern Americans are much fatter than they were just a few decades ago. Take one look around a shopping center or strip mall and it seems that half the people present are struggling with obesity. Recent data from the CDC supports those observations - more than 39% of adults in the United States were considered obese from 2015-2016. That number is up from 33.7 percent in 2007-2008.
Perhaps more alarming is the fact that severe obesity is on the rise as well. The same report from the CDC tells us that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese from 2015-2016, which is up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. When you read between the lines, those statistics mean that almost 4 in 10 adults are obese in the U.S., and almost 1 in 13 are severely obese.
Unfortunately, "fixing" obesity isn't something that can be done overnight. There is no quick fix that is also safe and non-surgical. The obesity problem in the U.S. is only getting worse as more adults and children choose the ease and convenience of fast food sugar-packed products over healthy eating, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices.
Besides the challenges of being overweight, like clothes that don't fit and hurtful comments, the health risks are much more serious. Obesity can endanger your life, and those who rely on you may lose you earlier than expected. Over time, the likelihood of developing severe and life-altering health problems grows.
The good news is that a new medication called semaglutide in Bluffton, SC, is available for people struggling with obesity. This game-changing treatment approaches obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a problem that can be solved through willpower alone.
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we now ioffer semaglutide as part of our custom weight loss program. If you've been struggling with obesity and have tried other diets with little to no success, don't lose hope. With the help of our medical and nutritional providers, you can lose weight, keep it off, and take meaningful steps toward better health.
Our weight loss program with semaglutide starts with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation process. During this phase, we will determine the ideal semaglutide dosage for you and provide personalized nutrition and exercise guidelines. Once we have a better understanding of your body and your weight loss goals, you'll begin receiving regular injections of semaglutide in Bluffton, SC.
It's your responsibility to incorporate lifestyle changes, specifically in your diet and exercise, to reach your weight loss goals. However, we'll be there every step of the way and conduct regular check-ins to help you stay on course. We'll also closely monitor your progress and overall health to ensure that your weight loss is safe and sustainable. The purpose of our semaglutide weight loss program is to offer a comprehensive weight loss treatment that helps you achieve natural, long-lasting results. That's the VIP Cosmetic Surgery difference.
Patients who sign up for our semaglutide weight loss program benefit from the following:
For semaglutide to have the biggest impact on your weight, you've got to make changes to your diet. When you eat nutrient-dense, whole foods that support weight loss and healthy living, you're setting yourself up for long-term weight loss. Our nutrition plans are comprehensive and customized to your needs and lifestyle. That way, when you're ready to make real changes in your life, we'll be there with a nutrition plan you can follow to make the journey easier and more sustainable.
One of the biggest reasons why people fail to achieve their weight loss goals is because they try to do it all on their own. When you sign up for VIP Cosmetic Surgery's semaglutide program, you benefit from monthly check-ins with Dr. Farr to see how your progress is going. During this meeting, you can talk to the doctor about your progress and what hurdles you're still trying to overcome. The doctor will give you advice and guidance based on his experience and - perhaps most importantly - help keep you on track so that you can lose weight and keep it off for good.
Our practitioners will provide tests to ensure that your body is healthy, hydrated, and well-fed. By checking your hydration and nutrition levels, we can help ensure you're losing weight in a healthy manner and not starving yourself. By maintaining optimal health throughout your weight loss journey, you're giving yourself the best shot at long-term weight loss.
For individuals working to lose weight and stay healthy, sticking to a consistent diet and exercise routine can be tough. Between work obligations and important tasks like picking your kids up from school, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to eat healthy foods. After all, McDonald's is on the way home, and your little ones are screaming for food.
Fortunately, many busy people find semaglutide to be a valuable tool in their weight loss journey. This FDA-approved injection, used for treating both diabetes and obesity, functions by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and promote long-term health.
In more simple terms, semaglutide imitates glucagon in the body, signaling to the brain that you're full and don't need to eat more. When you take semaglutide and try to overeat, your body sends a message that says, "That's enough." In essence, it makes you feel full, so you're less likely to binge eat, especially at night when food tends to sit in your stomach.
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By minimizing glucose spikes after meals, it lowers inflammation, which is a crucial step in optimizing your overall health. Moreover, Semaglutide assists in insulin secretion by the pancreas regulates glucose levels in the body and even possesses anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling with weight loss, treatments such as semaglutide can make a substantial difference for you.
In summary, semaglutide helps you lose weight in a few different ways, including:
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, one of the most frequently asked questions our providers receive from curious weight loss patients is whether or not semaglutide is supported by clinical trials. As it turns out, many trials have been conducted measuring the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, and the results are very promising.
Semaglutide is designed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who are attempting to shed at least 10% of their total body weight without success with other methods. Clinical trials involving over 1,900 obese adults who were unable to lose five percent of their body weight after a year of treatment with other medications demonstrated that semaglutide increased average weight loss from 2% to 20% over a treatment period of just over one year compared to a placebo.
In a different trial involving 1,387 patients with obesity (but not type 2 diabetes), participants were randomly assigned to different doses of semaglutide: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or placebo for 104 weeks. The group that took the higher dose of semaglutide lost an average of 31 pounds, while those on the lower dose lost an average of 11 pounds.
According to the NCBI, the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) trials have shown the efficacy of semaglutide, as well. In large randomized controlled trials, patients who received 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost a mean of 6% of their weight after 12 weeks and 12% of their weight after 28 weeks.
So, what do all these statistics mean for you? If you're looking to shed some pounds, it's worth giving semaglutide injections a shot. This type of treatment isn't a miracle drug, but it can significantly boost your chances of weight loss success. That's why, at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we have incorporated semaglutide as a fresh treatment option for individuals grappling with obesity, especially those who have exhausted other remedies and are seeking something new.
As is the case with promising therapies like semaglutide, people considering the drug have a lot of questions about whether it's right for them. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions relating to semaglutide.
If you're an adult dealing with obesity, excessive weight, or weight-related medical conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, semaglutide injections could be a suitable option for you. To qualify for semaglutide weight loss services at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you must meet the BMI range criteria established by the FDA. If you're unsure whether semaglutide injections are the right choice for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our weight loss practitioners today.
Our doctors and practitioners often hear from patients asking whether semaglutide is safe for long-term use. It's natural to have concerns about a medication that impacts your body. Simply put, as long as you meet the criteria, it is safe to take this weight-loss medication. Even patients with endocrine, kidney, heart, and liver conditions can safely use semaglutide. As of June 4, 2021, the Food & Drug Administration has given the green light for semaglutide injections (2.4mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and at least one weight-related condition.
Weight loss medications such as semaglutide may cause people to regain weight once the treatment is stopped. According to a clinical trial featured in Practice Update, participants regained 11.6% of their lost body weight within a year of discontinuing semaglutide medication and lifestyle intervention. Researchers suggest that this weight gain could be linked to the reversal of the cardiovascular benefits associated with semaglutide treatment, including stable blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
This data underscores the importance of continued medication and ongoing treatment for obesity as a chronic health condition to effectively manage its impact on quality of life and heart health. The key takeaway here is that due to its nature as a weight loss treatment, it's best to take regularly over time for the best results.
That length of time will vary depending on factors such as:
There's no question about it - semaglutide is making waves in the medical community. Thousands of obese men and women in the U.S. are using the treatment to get a handle on their weight and live healthy lives. With its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss, it makes sense that patients are looking for ways to get the most out of their regimen.
Keep reading to learn a few of the best tips to maximize your journey with semaglutide.
Before you start taking semaglutide or make any changes to your treatment plan, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider who prescribes semaglutide. They will evaluate your specific needs, determine the right dosage for you, and give you important instructions on how to use the medication properly. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, our weight loss practitioners work one-on-one with every patient who takes semaglutide to ensure they're staying healthy, hydrated, and committed to our semaglutide program.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels as recommended by your semaglutide provider. While semaglutide can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. When you begin a weight loss program at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you can rest easy knowing we check your blood sugar levels periodically.
Regular physical activity can boost the effects of semaglutide. It's best to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week to support weight loss and overall health improvements.
It's important to understand that results may not happen right away and could take some time to become noticeable. Try to be patient as you follow your treatment plan, maintain consistency with lifestyle changes, and have confidence that positive results will come gradually.
To maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide, it's very beneficial to eat a well-rounded diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Always try to choose nutrient-rich options over high-calorie, high-fat foods. That way, you can achieve your weight loss objectives quicker. When you work with weight loss experts like the doctors at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you'll have access to customized nutrition plans that will help expedite your weight loss and keep off the pounds once you reach your goals.
Make sure to set up regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to track your progress, make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, and talk about any concerns or questions you might have. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, follow-ups and check-ins are built into our semaglutide program, giving you one less thing to worry about as you lose weight.
Are you striving to reach a healthy weight and live a more fulfilling life? Are you eager to have a positive impact on yourself and your loved ones? Take the first step toward better health by contacting VIP Cosmetic Surgery. Our experienced, compassionate practitioners will collaborate with you to identify your weight-loss goals. Once we know more about you and your body, we'll create a custom plan and provide the cutting-edge strategies and treatments you need to see real results. If you're ready to make a meaningful change, we're ready to guide you on the path to success.
A shelter is opening at 4p.m. Monday in Jasper County for Tropical Storm Debby. Sandbag filling stations are also open in Beaufort County for residents due to the storm.Bluffton Today0:001:03Tropical Storm Debby, which had briefly been upgraded to a hurricane Monday morning, is being monitored by local officials as a shelter will open in Jasper County ahead of the storm Monday afternoon, emergency officials said.Shelter to open in Jasper CountyJasper County Emergency Services anno...
Bluffton Today
Tropical Storm Debby, which had briefly been upgraded to a hurricane Monday morning, is being monitored by local officials as a shelter will open in Jasper County ahead of the storm Monday afternoon, emergency officials said.
Shelter to open in Jasper County
Jasper County Emergency Services announced Sunday night those who need shelter from Tropical Storm Debby can go to the emergency shelter in Jasper County which will be opening at 4p.m. Monday. The shelter is located at the Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence Gymnasium, located at 250 Jaguar Trail in Ridgeland.
People coming to the shelter should bring with them several items, including personal hygiene products, bedding items such as their own blankets and pillows, important documents for identification, a three-day supply of food for those with restrictive diets, and at least a seven-day supply of any medications along with prescription information.
Sandbag pickup locations for Beaufort County announced
Beaufort County had sandbag operations Sunday and are also allowing citizens to bring their own sandbags Monday for fill up, the county announced Monday morning. Jasper County Emergency Services, when contacted Monday morning, said they were establishing a sandbag pickup and would send out notifications when the information was available. Those with questions can contact the public information officer at (843)726-4421.
"As of 11:20 a.m., we are out of standard sandbags," the agency said in a Facebook post. "We have a limited quantity of plastic bags, but we anticipate running out quickly. The public is encouraged to bring their own bags to be filled."
The county said it will continue operating sandbag filling stations Monday.
Sandbag filling locations are located at 9 Benton Road in Bluffton and 80 Shanklin Road in Beaufort. Hours for the locations Monday will be 10a.m. until 4p.m. or while supplies last.
State of Emergencies declared
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, around 1p.m. Sunday, declared a State of Emergency for the state due to the potential effects of the storm. He asks all residents to monitor local forecasts and to begin taking proper precautions. The order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and enables all state agencies to coordinate resources in preparation for Tropical Storm Debby.
Jasper County Council and the Town of Ridgeland will hold called meetings Monday to declare a State of Emergency for their areas. Other local areas were also expected to declare state of emergencies due to Tropical Storm Debby.
School updates
The Beaufort County School District said Sunday it would be updating the community some time Monday about its plan for the school year with the latest updates on the storm. The district's first scheduled day back would be Aug. 7 with the date subject to change due to the storm.
The Jasper County School District will not return to school until Aug. 19.
Polaris Tech Charter School in Ridgeland said while Monday was a school day, Tuesday and Wednesday would be e-learning days with updates on the rest of the week at a later time.
More updates concerning schools and businesses will be announced as they become available.
Bluffton announces storm updates
The Town of Bluffton announced Monday several storm updates and closings due to Tropical Storm Debby.
Town of Bluffton offices: Bluffton government offices will be closed to the public Tuesday and Wednesday. Most employees will be working from home.
Bluffton Municipal Court for Tuesday, Aug. 6, is cancelled. Bluffton Court staff will send/contact rescheduled court date to defendants. Please contact (Email): court@townofbluffton.com or (Phone):843.706.4530 if you need further details.
The Bluffton Historic Preservation Commission (HPC): HPC meeting, which was scheduledfor Wednesday, August 7, 2024, is cancelled.
Waste/Recycling routes will not be servicing the remainder of Monday or Tuesday. Waste Management will decide about the remainder of the week depending on storm conditions. The town said it is important to secure all waste and recycling carts and be mindful of your community and neighbors as rising waters can cause carts to float and spill contents.
Bluffton building inspections will continue throughout Monday, August 5, on a regular schedule. Building inspectors will be reassigned to storm recovery. Pending storm conditions, regular building code inspections probably won’t resume until Thursday, August 8, at the earliest.
Latest update on Tropical Storm Debby
The storm made landfall in Florida in the Big Bend region Monday morning as a Category One hurricane but was downgraded to a Tropical Storm at 11a.m., the National Weather Service said. Forecasters have stressed the storm could bring historic rainfall amounts to the lowcountry.
Tropical Storm Debby, as of the 11a.m. update from the National Weather Service, was located about 260 miles southwest of Charleston SC or about 180 miles southwest of Savannah GA. with winds of up to 70 mph. The storm was moving north-northeast at 8 mph.
Around 11 a.m. Monday the National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Beaufort and inland Jasper, and a Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning for Beaufort and coastal Jasper.
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm force winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are possible in the Ridgeland and Hardeeville areas while winds of 20 to 30mph with gusts to 40 mph are possible in the Hilton Head, Beaufort and Bluffton areas. There is a potential for wind gusts to be between 39 to 57 mph with forecast uncertainty in track, size and intensity of the storm.
A storm surge warning in Beaufort and coastal Jasper means that peak storm surge inundation has the potential for 2 to 4 feet above ground somewhere within surge prone areas with the window of concern beginning Monday evening, according to a National Weather Service report as of 11 a.m. Monday.
A flood watch is in effect in the Ridgeland, Hardeeville, Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort areas with peak rainfall amounts of 18 to 24 inches, with locally higher amounts.
A tornado watch is also in effect in both Beaufort and Jasper counties until 5p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service said.
The National Weather Service also said it was important to protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across mainly coastal areas of southeast Georgia and southeast South Carolina.
"Potential impacts include isolated to scattered tornadoes which can hinder the execution of emergency plans, scattered locations could experience enhanced damage due to tornadoes with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures," the weather service said.
The weather service added, "scattered locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
READ MORETropical Storm Debby made landfall 7 a.m. Monday, August 5, 2024 as Category 1 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region and, as it moves up the Southeast Coast, the system could dump historic rainfall in Beaufort County.Expand AllMaking landfall over Florida’s Big Bend region at 7 a.m. Monday as a Category 1 storm, forecasters expected Hurricane Debby to dump historic rainfall to the Lowcountry as it moved slowly up the Southeast coast.At 11 a.m., Debby was downgraded to a tropical storm, accord...
Tropical Storm Debby made landfall 7 a.m. Monday, August 5, 2024 as Category 1 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region and, as it moves up the Southeast Coast, the system could dump historic rainfall in Beaufort County.
Making landfall over Florida’s Big Bend region at 7 a.m. Monday as a Category 1 storm, forecasters expected Hurricane Debby to dump historic rainfall to the Lowcountry as it moved slowly up the Southeast coast.
At 11 a.m., Debby was downgraded to a tropical storm, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm was 35 miles west of Lake City, Florida. Tropical Storm Debby had sustained winds of 70 mph and was moving at 8 mph. As the storm moves inland, it will weaken Monday and Tuesday, according to the center.
Early Monday morning, the National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning for Hilton Head, Beaufort and Bluffton, meaning sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. Tuesday morning is the earliest Beaufort County could see tropical storm-force winds. The warning was set to expire at 7:15 p.m.
At 11:15 a.m., thw NWS issued a tornado watch, which is set to expire at 4 p.m. A watch indicates that tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.
If high winds come to the area, the earliest they’d arrive is Monday and could bring winds up to 57 mph. The service also reported that tornadoes are possible for areas mainly near the state’s coast and dangerous marine conditions are expected.
NWS’ Charleston office said the slow-moving storm “will bring a prolonged period of impacts through mid-to-late week,” which could be catastrophic.
Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort are expected to get about 20 inches of rain, with the possibility of local amounts up to 30 inches, from the tropical system through Thursday, according to updated maps from the NWS at 6 a.m. Monday. Widespread severe flash flooding is likely for much of the area, the service said.
“For an event of this duration, these amounts have a 0.2% to 0.1% chance of happening in any given year,” the NWS wrote in an 11:30 a.m. briefing.
The county was also under a storm surge warning, which is triggered 36 hours before the potential for hazardous flooding conditions. Between 2 and 4 feet of storm surge inundation over normally dry tidal/near tidal regions is possible, according to local meteorologists. Coastal flooding from storm surge and above-average astronomical tides will likely affect some or all of South Carolina’s coast Tuesday through Thursday, said Frank Strait, the state’s severe weather liaison.
With large amounts of rainfall possible as early as Monday, it could cause flash flooding or ponding on roadways, South Carolina’s Department of Transportation said. The agency urged the public never to drive through standing water.
On Sunday afternoon, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects of the storm.
In preparation for predicted “historic” rainfall, Beaufort County continued to offer free sandbag-filling stations. The stations will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday while supplies last. The public is encouraged to bring their own bags and shovels, a news release from the county said. Bags and sand are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sandbag-filling stations are located at:
On Sunday night, the Town of Hilton Head Island said it had prepared for potential impacts from Debby, including clearing storm drains, securing equipment to prepare for closures, and removing trash and debris.
“Our Town is ready to respond to the storm and began as soon as last week making plans to deal with potential flooding and heavy rain,” Mayor Alan Perry said in a Sunday news release. “I have confidence in our town’s ability to face and overcome the challenges posed by this tropical storm.”
In response to the impending storm, the town will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Monday with Perry and Emergency Manager Tom Dunn.
Sunday afternoon, the City of Beaufort said Capital Waste will conduct Monday’s route as normal, according to a news release. Starting Tuesday and through Friday, routes may be affected due to the wind and flooding.
The Greenery removed tables, chairs and trash cans from the Waterfront Park Monday morning. Trash cans were also removed from Bay Street to Craven Street. Public restrooms will remain open until 5 p.m. Monday, the city said.
As of 8 a.m. Monday, South Carolina’s Emergency Management Division didn’t report any closings in Beaufort County. According to PowerOutage.us, there weren’t any customers in the county without power.
Wind
Storm surge
Flooding rain
Tornado
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department shared the following tips to prepare for the incoming weather system.
This story was originally published August 5, 2024, 8:19 AM.
The Island Packet
Sarah Haselhorst, a St. Louis native, writes about climate issues along South Carolina’s coast. Her work is produced with financial support from Journalism Funding Partners. Previously, Sarah spent time reporting in Jackson, Mississippi; Cincinnati, Ohio; and mid-Missouri.
Jasper and Beaufort counties are under watches ahead of Tropical Storm Debby for potentially life-threatening flooding in the areaBluffton Today0:001:03As Tropical Storm Debby remained about 400 miles southwest of Charleston, S.C. or about 400 miles south-southwest of Savannah, Ga around 11 a.m. Sunday, residents in the lowcountry have been asked to prepare for the potentially devastating effects of the storm.South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, around 1p.m. today, also declared a State of Emergency f...
Bluffton Today
As Tropical Storm Debby remained about 400 miles southwest of Charleston, S.C. or about 400 miles south-southwest of Savannah, Ga around 11 a.m. Sunday, residents in the lowcountry have been asked to prepare for the potentially devastating effects of the storm.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, around 1p.m. today, also declared a State of Emergency for the state due to the potential effects of the storm. He asks all residents to monitor local forecasts and to begin taking proper precautions. The order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and enables all state agencies to coordinate resources in preparation for Tropical Storm Debby.
Tropical Storm Debby has winds of up to 65 miles per hour as of Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Charleston.
Sandbag pickup locations for Beaufort County announced
Beaufort County has announced there are two locations open for citizens to receive sand bags with a limit per person of ten sandbags.
"Today, Beaufort County will operate two Sandbag Filling Stations available to residents ahead of the onset of Tropical Storm Debby," a Beaufort County Government Facebook post at 11a.m. said.
The two locations include 9 Benton Field Road in Bluffton and 80 Shanklin Road in Beaufort.
When residents arrive at the locations, they are asked to see a Public Works empliyee to obtain free sandbags. Due to the limited supply, residents are being limited to 10 bags per resident. The bags will be available from 1p.m. until 5p.m. Sunday or while supplies last. The bags and supplies are free but available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Jasper County Sun Times has also reached out to emergency officials for possible locations to pick up any sandbags in Jasper County but have not received a response. Residents from the area have reported there were sand bags available in the Bluffton area at Lowe's. Other locations will be posted once known and any updates from Jasper County emergency officials will be posted if a response is received.
Jasper County Emergency Services issued the following information about Tropical Storm Debby at 3:50 p.m. Sunday,
"Jasper County Emergency Services is actively monitoring the track and intensity of the storm. Potentially historic rainfall totals through Thursday. Widespread severe flash flooding is likely for much of the area. Tropical storm-force winds could be seen as early as Monday morning."
We are actively engaged with state and local partners to ensure our community's safety.
Ways to prepare for potential weather conditions:• Secure any loose items in your yard.• Clear gutters or storm drains.• Store important documents in a safe place.• Keep phones charged.• Have water and non-perishable food for several days.• Flashlight and extra batteries.• Battery powered or hand crank radio.• Sign-up for Everbridge to stay informed.
Watches issued for Jasper and Beaufort counties
A storm surge watch and tropical storm watch has been issued for Beaufort and Coastal Jasper and Jasper County is also under a tropical storm watch, according to the National Weather Service.
"Debby could bring potentially historic and catastrophic flooding to the area this week," the National Weather Service said.
The National Weather Service said the center of Tropical Storm Debby is expected to continue to strengthen as it moves northward through the eastern Gulf of Mexico today (Sunday), before making landfall as a hurricane in the Big Bend region of Florida on Monday.
The weather service said Debby is then forecast to move northeast across Southeast Georgia Tuesday morning and emerge off of the Georgia coast Tuesday night or Wednesday morning while slowing down.
"Debby will stall over or near the area through at least mid week, resulting in prolonged impacts," the weather service said. "This includes multiple periods of flooding rainfall, coastal inundation and tropical storm-force wind gusts, starting late tonight and continuing through Thursday."
The possibility is increasing, the weather service said, for historic and potentially catastrophic rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 inches, with local amounts approaching 30 inches.
"The highest rainfall totals will occur across coastal South Carolina and Georgia, including the Charleston and Savannah metropolitan areas," the weather service said. "If these rainfall totals are realized, widespread severe flash flooding will occur."
"This is a potentially significant and life-threatening event," the weather service stressed.
Storm Surge and flooding from Tropical Storm Debby
The weather service also stated storm surge inundation of 2 to 4 feet is possible along the Southeast Georgia and Southeast South Carolina coast, especially Tuesday through Thursday. and isolated tornadoes will be possible, with highest chances across coastal areas.
The weather service also advised that extreme rainfall flooding could prompt widespread rescues and as the event unfolds, rescues could become impossible.
"Rivers and tributaries could overwhelmingly overflow their banks in many places with deep moving water," the weather service said. "Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may become raging rivers with strong currents. Flood control systems and barriers could become stressed or overwhelmed."
The weather service said flood waters will enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Flood waters could render escape routes impassable.
"Streets and parking lots become rivers of raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become impossible and life threatening. Widespread road and bridge closures with most weakened or washed out," the weather service said.
Drinking water and sewer services could be negatively impacted, according to the weather service, and hazardous containers and materials could possibly be present in flood waters.
Ahead of Tropical Storm Debby’s predicted path to the Lowcountry, local officials placed Beaufort County under a tropical storm watch Sunday and warned of the potential for significant rainfall.Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort are expected to get about 20 inches of rain from the tropical system through Thursday, according to maps from the National Weather Service. Beaufort County was under tropical s...
Ahead of Tropical Storm Debby’s predicted path to the Lowcountry, local officials placed Beaufort County under a tropical storm watch Sunday and warned of the potential for significant rainfall.
Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort are expected to get about 20 inches of rain from the tropical system through Thursday, according to maps from the National Weather Service. Beaufort County was under tropical storm and flooding watches Sunday. A tropical storm watch means possible life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline within the area in the next 48 hours, the service said.
At 5 p.m., the NWS issued a storm surge warning, which is triggered 36 hours before the potential for hazardous flooding conditions. Earlier Sunday afternoon, Gov. Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects of Tropical Storm Debby.
“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,” McMaster said in a news release.
On Sunday morning, the NWS’Charleston Office said there could be “historic” rainfall amounts in the Lowcountry, which would begin in the evening and last through Thursday. Rainfall totals could be between 10 and 20 inches, with the possibility of local amounts up to 30 inches, according to the NWS. Widespread severe flash flooding is likely for much of the area, the service said.
“For an event of this duration, these amounts have a 0.2% to 0.1% chance of happening in any given year,” the NWS wrote in an 11:30 a.m. briefing.
Frank Strait, South Carolina’s severe weather liaison, said that rainfall totals for the next week, based on Saturday computer models, were “downright scary.”
“Let’s hope and pray that the models are overdone!” Strait said.
Local meteorologists also flagged for moderate wind and storm surge impacts. Between 2 and 4 feet of storm surge inundation over normally dry tidal/near tidal regions is possible. Coastal flooding from storm surge and above-average astronomical tides will likely affect some or all South Carolina’s coast Tuesday through Thursday, Strait said.
If high winds come to Beaufort County, the earliest they’d arrive is Monday morning and could bring winds up to 57 mph. The service also reported that tornadoes are possible for areas mainly near the state’s coast and dangerous marine conditions are expected.
At 5 p.m. Sunday, Tropical Storm Debby was 120 miles west of Tampa, Florida, and had sustained wind speeds of 65 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm was moving 12 mph.
Continued strengthening is forecast, the center said, and Debby is expected to become a hurricane by Sunday evening before it reaches Florida’s Big Bend coast. The NHC predicted that as the storm moves inland, it will weaken Monday and Tuesday.
Wind
Storm surge
Flooding rain
Tornado
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department shared the following tips to prepare for the incoming weather system.
This story was originally published August 2, 2024, 12:55 PM.
The Island Packet
Sarah Haselhorst, a St. Louis native, writes about climate issues along South Carolina’s coast. Her work is produced with financial support from Journalism Funding Partners. Previously, Sarah spent time reporting in Jackson, Mississippi; Cincinnati, Ohio; and mid-Missouri.
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