Forecasters are warning that Tropical Storm Debby could cause severe flooding in the Southeast this week after hitting Florida on Monday.
The storm made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Florida’s Big Bend around 7 a.m. Monday, with winds reaching 80 mph. It caused significant flooding and high winds, prompting Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in 61 counties.
By 11 a.m., the storm had weakened to a tropical storm. It is expected to move through Georgia and South Carolina in the coming days.
The National Hurricane Center warns of potentially historic rainfall in southeast Georgia and coastal South Carolina, which could lead to catastrophic flooding. Heavy rain is also expected to cause considerable flooding in central and northern Florida and parts of central and northeast North Carolina through Saturday morning.
Hazards from the storm still pose risks in areas it has already affected, including downed power lines and flooding. As of Monday evening, over 162,000 customers in Florida and more than 27,000 in Georgia were without power.
At least four people have died in Florida due to the storm, including a 13-year-old boy killed by a falling tree in Levy County.
Governor DeSantis urged people in affected areas to stay safe, avoid driving, and be cautious of floodwaters, downed trees, and power lines. If you encounter standing water on the road, he advises turning around.
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