Monitoring Tropical Storm Debby

By Jenna Johnson | August 4, 2024

The Charleston Southern University Emergency Management Team is monitoring the path and projected impacts of a tropical storm currently making its way north through the Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Depression 4 strengthened to Tropical Storm Debby on Saturday afternoon and is currently tracking to make landfall on Florida’s west coast Monday morning before continuing northeast toward South Carolina’s coast.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Debby is currently on a path to Florida’s Gulf Coast and is projected to hit Florida as a hurricane on Monday. A tropical storm watch and storm surge watch are in effect for Charleston and Berkeley counties. Wind gusts of up to 55 mph are possible beginning tomorrow, August 5, through Thursday. The South Carolina Lowcountry may see heavy rains throughout the Lowcountry that could total 10 to 20 inches—though higher amounts up to 30 inches are possible. Though likely to weaken once it makes landfall, rain amounts and the storm’s strength will be determined by the track of the tropical storm. Rest assured that CSU will alert our campus community with updates and guidance as we learn more.

As of now, CSU will remain on its current operating schedule this week. As always, important updates will be sent via campuswide email, with urgent releases also communicated via BucAlert (the campus emergency notification system), the website, and social media as necessary.

In the meantime, brush up on CSU’s emergency procedures in MyCSU as well as personal emergency planning with the latest Hurricane Guide here.

Stay safe, watch your inbox for updates, and pray for Debby to bring the rain our region needs and nothing more.

Helpful Resources
Emergency: 911
Campus Security: 843-553-5896 or 843-863-7105

· All 2024 Atlantic tropical cyclone names

· Hurricane season in Charleston: what you should know

· The difference between a tropical storm watch or warning

· National Weather Service: outlook and impact on Charleston

· CSU’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

· CSU Security