Live blog: Debby downgraded to tropical depression; Virginia, N.C. still expected to see showers & storms (2024)

As Debby makes its way north, Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina are prepping for the potential impact from remnants of Debby.

Just before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Debby was downgraded from a tropical storm to a tropical depression.

However, we still have the ingredients to potentially see more tornado warnings. News 3 meteorologist April Loveland says Debby is continuing to pick up a bit of speed, which is good because it will move out of our area quicker, rather than sitting over us.

Watch latest update: Debby downgraded from tropical storm to depression

Debby downgraded from tropical storm to depression

The tornado warnings in our area expired Thursday evening. The last one, which applied to Isle of Wight and James City County, ended at 4:45 p.m.

However, there is still a tornado watch in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday.

Here's a look at weather conditions in other parts of our area Thursday:

Godwin/Hillpoint area of Suffolk around 4:15 p.m.

Silver Springs Road in Gates County around 2:30 p.m.

19th and Sycamore in Newport News around 11 a.m.

Flooding in Newport News from Tropical Storm Debby

Blackwater River in Franklin around 10:30 a.m.

Flooding in Franklin from Tropical Storm Debby

Watch: Why a state of emergency was issued in Virginia and N.C. ahead of Debby's impact

Both Virginia and N.C. are under a state of emergency ahead of Debby's impact. What does that mean?

News 3 has crews throughout Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina monitoring weather developments. This article will be updated with more pictures and video of weather impacts in our area.

Beach conditions:

• A red flag warning was issued at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Thursday morning for dangerous rip currents. Knee deep swimming only. Check with lifeguards for current conditions.

• A double red flag warning was issued before 10 a.m. at National Park Service-guarded beaches on the Outer Banks for life-threatening conditions on Hatteras and Ocraco*ke.

From the Norfolk SPCA

As Tropical Storm Debby approaches our region bringing heavy rain and the threat of flash flooding, our animal shelter is working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our furry friends. But we need your help!

We need supplies and equipment to make our shelter storm-ready. Our Ballentine location floods often and heavily during nor'easters, tropical storms and potential hurricanes, so we are making a plan in advance of Debby. This includes preparing emergency animal kits and following the Virginia Department of Emergency Management recommendations.

We are desperately in need of:

1. 3 generators
2. Pillow cases
3. Hill's dog and cat food
4. Gift cards to Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe's or Chewy
5. Donations made to our general operating budget in order to purchase medical supplies and specialized animal diets - you can donate here: https://norfolkspca.com/donate/

From the Virginia National Guard

The Virginia National Guard has staged Soldiers with tactical trucks capable of high water transportation Aug. 8, 2024, at VNG facilities in Lynchburg, Danville and Petersburg in order to support the response to impacts of Tropical Storm Debby. The personnel will be ready conduct missions Thursday morning and will link up with local emergency managers to provide assistance if needed. VNG troops will also have chain saw teams to conduct debris reduction operations, and helicopter rescue hoist capabilities are also on standby.

“With just over 24 hours notice, our Virginia National Guard Soldiers answered the call to be ready to help their fellow Virginians,” said Brig. Gen. Todd Hubbard, Virginia National Guard director of the joint staff. “It is really impressive how quickly and safely they responded, and we owe a special thanks to their families and employers for their critical support. I am incredibly proud of the great team effort that went into getting everyone in place and ready to go before the weather impacts begin.”

Hubbard said VNG planners have been in close contact with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management over the last few days to determine what capabilities would be helpful and where it would be best to locate them.

“Our partners in state and local government count on the VNG to provide additional capabilities to help make sure the appropriate resources are available for the weather response,” Hubbard said. “Once again, our troops have proven they live up to the “Always ready, always there’ motto of the National Guard,” Hubbard said.

The VNG alerted approximately 130 personnel Aug. 6, 2024. In addition to the troops ready for high water transportation and debris reduction missions, Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force will provide logistics, administrative, operations center and public information support at multiple locations.

now signed up to receive the Headlines Newsletter.

Click here to manage all Newsletters