Authorities are racing against time to rescue residents from flooded homes, particularly in Sarasota, Florida, and Manatee County, where hundreds have been rescued. The storm’s path has brought it into Georgia and is expected to stall, bringing even more rainfall and potential catastrophic flooding to the region.
The storm has since weakened to a tropical storm but continues to pose a significant threat, particularly to low-lying areas along the Eastern seaboard. As emergency services scramble to respond, the full impact of Debby’s wrath is still unfolding.
Key developments:
Casualties: The storm has led to at least 5 confirmed deaths, including a 19-year-old man who was killed in Moultrie, Georgia, when a tree fell on a porch. In Florida, a 13-year-old boy died when a tree fell on a mobile home. Additionally, a truck driver was killed in Tampa after losing control of his vehicle in the storm.
Rescues and evacuations: Approximately 500 people were rescued from flooded homes in Sarasota, while 186 were saved in nearby Manatee County. Local officials described the event as unprecedented.
Flooding threat: Record rainfall, with up to 30 inches expected in some areas, has triggered flash flood emergencies, particularly in central and northern Florida.
Power outages: Over 300,000 people are without power in Florida and Georgia, with extensive efforts underway to restore electricity amid dangerous conditions.
State of emergency: North Carolina and Georgia have also declared states of emergency, bracing for the storm’s impact.
Flight cancellations: Over 1,600 flights were canceled nationwide, with Florida airports being the most affected.
Charleston curfew: Charleston, South Carolina, has imposed a curfew starting at 11 p.m. Monday due to expected heavy rainfall, with officials preparing for possible severe flooding.
Government response: US President Joe Biden has authorized emergency declarations for South Carolina and Florida, and Vice President Kamala Harris postponed a planned trip to Georgia due to the storm.
Continued threat: Debby is expected to continue moving northeast, with forecasted rainfalls of up to 30 inches in some areas. The storm surge and flash flooding remain major concerns as the storm lingers over the region.
Historical context: Debby’s landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, came less than a year after Hurricane Idalia struck the same area as a Category 3 storm, adding to the region’s ongoing struggles with severe weather.
Uncertainty ahead: As Debby continues its path, local and federal authorities are urging residents to stay safe and heed warnings, with the full impact of the storm still unfolding.