At least four people were killed as Tropical Storm Debby made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Monday, causing widespread destruction and posing a significant threat to southeastern US states. The storm, which initially made landfall as a Category One hurricane, brought torrential rains and powerful winds, leading to fatalities and severe damage.
Tragic Losses
A 13-year-old boy in Levy County died when a tree was blown onto a mobile home. In Hillsborough County, a truck driver was killed after his 18-wheeler plunged into a canal. Additionally, a 38-year-old woman and a 12-year-old boy died in a car crash in Dixie County, highlighting the deadly impact of the storm on local communities.
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Widespread Power Outages and Evacuations
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reported that around 250,000 residents were without power due to the storm. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for parts of Citrus County, and several other counties were under voluntary evacuation orders. The Florida National Guard was activated, with over 3,000 service members mobilized to assist in the storm response efforts.
Debby Moves North
After making landfall, Debby moved into Georgia overnight and is expected to approach the South Carolina coast by Thursday. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warned of “potentially historic rainfall” with the potential for catastrophic flooding in coastal regions of Georgia, South Carolina, and even extending into North Carolina.
“This is a level four out of four risk for excessive rainfall,” said Michael Brennan, director of the NHC. “This is going to result in a prolonged extreme rainfall event with potential for catastrophic flooding.”
Federal and State Emergency Declarations
In response to the storm, President Joe Biden approved emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, allowing federal aid to be expedited for disaster relief efforts. Governors of Georgia and South Carolina have also declared states of emergency ahead of Debby’s arrival.
Tornadoes and Severe Weather Warnings
The storm has brought not only heavy rainfall but also severe weather conditions, including tornadoes. An apparent tornado touched down on Edisto Beach, South Carolina, causing significant damage. Other beach destinations such as Kiawah Island and Johns Island were also warned of possible tornado activity.
Coastal Threats and Historic Rainfall
Storm surge warnings are in effect for parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, signalling life-threatening inundation from rising water. The NHC predicted that Debby could bring up to 30 inches of rainfall in some areas, exacerbating the risk of catastrophic flooding.
Disruptions and Precautions
The impact of Debby has led to widespread disruptions, including travel chaos. More than 1,700 flights were canceled, and numerous airports, including those in Tallahassee and Gainesville, were closed. Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid travel due to the hazardous conditions.
Climate Change and Storm Intensification
Scientists suggest that climate change may be contributing to the rapid intensification of storms like Debby. Warmer ocean temperatures provide more energy for storms to feed on, leading to more severe weather events. In July, the powerful Hurricane Beryl, which claimed at least 18 lives, showcased similar intensification patterns.
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In a surprising twist, the US Border Patrol reported that Debby had washed up 25 packages of cocaine worth around $1 million to the coast of the Florida Keys, which were subsequently seized.