Hurricane Debby made landfall in a sparsely populated area of Florida, but meteorologists caution that heavy rain may lead to dangerous flooding in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia. Approximately 300,000 customers were left without power in Florida and Georgia as a result of the storm.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that Debby has sustained winds of 75 mph.
One of the primary concerns with the storm is the potential for storm surges. Forecasters predict that Florida may experience significant flooding, with areas near the Big Bend expected to see 6 to 10 feet of inundation above ground level.
John Cangialosi, a hurricane specialist with the National Hurricane Center, highlighted the vulnerability of this particular coastal zone and noted that Sarasota and Manatee counties have already received 10 to 12 inches of rain.
In Georgia, the National Weather Service anticipates major flooding along several rivers, including the Canoochee River near Claxton, the Ohoopee River near Reidsville, and the Ogeechee River near Eden. Although these rivers were below flood stage on Monday, their water levels could more than double by the end of the week.
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida reported that around 17,000 linemen are actively working to restore electricity to the affected areas. He advised residents to remain indoors until conditions improve, emphasizing the dangers of driving through flooded streets and urging caution to prevent unnecessary risks and accidents.
