Tropical Storm Debby unleashed chaos across Florida's northern regions on Monday, drenching communities with torrential rains and claiming multiple lives as it crawled toward Georgia and the Carolinas. The storm, downgraded from a Category 1 hurricane, has already left a trail of devastation, uprooting trees, flooding roads, and disrupting daily life. 🌧️💔
Winds, Rain, and Tragedy
Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee with winds of up to 130 km/h, according to the National Hurricane Center. While its winds weakened over land, relentless rain sparked flash floods in Florida's Big Bend region. Authorities confirmed fatalities, including two minors in Levy County and a 19-year-old in Georgia, all struck by falling trees. A truck driver and a mother-son duo also lost their lives in separate storm-related accidents.
"This is a slow-moving, dangerous system," one official warned, urging residents to avoid travel. Debby's sluggish pace raises concerns about prolonged flooding risks in the Southeast this week.
What's Next?
Forecasters predict Debby will continue northward, drenching Georgia and the Carolinas with up to 25 cm of rain. Emergency teams are on high alert, prioritizing rescue operations and urging communities to prepare for rising waters. Stay tuned for updates as the storm evolves! 🚨 #StaySafe
Reference(s):
cgtn.com