Hurricane Debby Strengthens and Nears Florida’s

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Late Sunday, Hurricane Debby strengthened into a Category 1 storm, drawing closer to Florida's Big Bend. It threatens life-threatening storm surges and heavy rain, with totals potentially reaching 30 inches in parts of the Southeast by the end of the week.

Storm Overview

• Formation and Strength: Debby, the fourth named storm of the season, formed on Saturday and reached hurricane status by late Sunday. The storm is currently situated about 100 miles west-northwest of Tampa, Florida, with sustained winds of 75 mph. It's moving northward at approximately 12 miles per hour.
• Wind Radius: Hurricane-force winds extend up to 45 miles from Debby’s center, while tropical storm-force winds reach out to 140 miles.
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Potential Impacts

• Rainfall and Flooding: Richard Pasch, a senior hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center, warned of potentially historic rainfall that could lead to catastrophic flooding. Rain totals could hit 30 inches in some areas.
• Storm Surge: Predicted storm surges could reach up to 10 feet, with some forecasts suggesting surges up to 15 feet in the Big Bend region.
• Evacuations and Safety Measures: Mandatory evacuations are underway in several counties. Leon County, including Tallahassee, has opened six school shelters.
• Governor and Federal Response: Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard to assist with humanitarian efforts and search and rescue operations. President Joe Biden declared an emergency in Florida, enabling FEMA to coordinate disaster relief.

Weather Warnings and Travel Disruptions

• Flood and Tornado Warnings: Flash flood warnings have been issued for multiple counties, and a tornado watch covers much of Northern Florida and Southeast Georgia until Monday morning.
• Flight Cancellations and Delays: Nearly 2,000 flights were canceled, and about 6,300 were delayed as of Sunday evening. American Airlines and JetBlue reported the highest number of cancellations.
• Cruise Line Adjustments: Carnival Cruise Line rescheduled the return of its ship, Carnival Elation, to Jacksonville from Monday to Sunday.
• South Carolina Preparations: Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency, warning residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flash floods.

Power Outages

• As of late Sunday, over 75,000 power outages were reported across Florida, with Levy County experiencing outages affecting over 15% of its customers.

Hurricane Debby's Path

• Landfall and Predictions: The hurricane is expected to make landfall Monday morning in Florida's Big Bend, specifically between the Suwannee and Ochlockonee Rivers, with maximum sustained winds of 74 to 95 mph. A hurricane warning is in effect from Yankeetown to Indian Pass.
• Warnings: A tropical storm warning is in place for areas from south of Yankeetown to Boca Grande, and west from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach. Further warnings extend from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to South Santee River, South Carolina.

Preparation and Safety Tips

Residents in the storm's path should:

• Stay Informed: Monitor local news and National Hurricane Center updates.
• Follow Evacuation Orders: Evacuate if advised and know the locations of local shelters.
• Prepare Emergency Kits: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents.
• Secure Property: Board up windows, secure outdoor items, and ensure sump pumps are operational.
• Avoid Travel: Refrain from driving or walking through flooded areas.

Hurricane Debby represents a significant threat to the Southeast, and it is crucial for residents to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property. The combination of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges can lead to dangerous and life-threatening conditions. Stay safe and heed all official warnings and advice.