Forecasters are warning that Tropical Storm Debby could bring “catastrophic flooding” to the Southeast this week after it pounded Florida on Monday.
The storm made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend around 7 a.m. Monday as a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of about 80 mph. The storm brought severe flooding and high winds to the state, and Republican Governor Ron DeSantis warned: A state of emergency was declared In 61 counties.
According to the governor’s office, it had weakened to a tropical storm by 11 a.m. The storm is expected to move across Georgia and South Carolina in the coming days.
“Record-breaking rainfall could fall on southeast Georgia and the coastal plain of South Carolina by Saturday morning, causing potentially devastating flooding,” the National Hurricane Center said in a statement. The prediction is.
“Heavy rainfall will likely develop through Saturday morning, causing significant flooding across parts of central and northern Florida and parts of central and northeastern North Carolina,” the forecast said.
Forecasters also said dangers remained in areas where the storm had already passed, including downed power lines and flooded areas. Power OutAs of Monday evening, more than 162,000 customers were without power in Florida, while more than 27,000 customers in Georgia reported being without power.
CNN reported: At least 4 people More than 200 people have been killed in the storm in Florida, including a 13-year-old boy who was killed when a tree fell on his home in Levy County.
“If you are in affected areas while Tropical Storm Debby passes through, please stay safe and avoid driving. Watch for flooding, downed trees, power lines and other hazards. If you see standing water on the roads, turn back,” DeSantis wrote. statement On social platform X.
