Florida Hit Hard by Tropical Storm Debby: Over 300,000 Without Power and Major Flooding Expected

Tropical Storm Debby has wreaked havoc across Florida and is threatening the Eastern Seaboard with torrential rains and high winds. The storm has caused significant damage and loss of life as it moves slowly, with historic Southern cities like Savannah and Charleston at risk of severe flooding.

Summary Points:

1. Severe Impact in Florida:
   • Tropical Storm Debby hit Florida with heavy rains and strong winds, resulting in at least four deaths.
   • The storm made landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 1 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm.
2. Casualties and Incidents:
   • A truck driver died after losing control on Interstate 75 near Tampa.
   • A 13-year-old boy died when a tree fell on his mobile home near Gainesville.
   • In Dixie County, a car crash caused by wet roads resulted in the deaths of a woman and a boy, with another boy hospitalized.
3. Power Outages and Flight Disruptions:
   • Over 300,000 customers in Florida and Georgia lost power, with ongoing efforts to restore electricity.
   • More than 1,600 flights were canceled, heavily affecting Florida airports, particularly Orlando and Tampa.
4. Flooding in Sarasota:
   • Sarasota, a tourist beach city, experienced severe flooding, with rainfall double the predicted amount.
   • Emergency services are advising residents to avoid travel due to unsafe conditions.
5. Government Response:
   • Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned about ongoing flood risks even as the storm moves into Georgia.
   • U.S. President Joe Biden was briefed on the storm, and Vice-President Kamala Harris postponed a trip to Georgia due to the storm’s effects.
6. Threat to Historic Cities:
   • Savannah, GA, and Charleston, SC, face potential historic flooding, with local leaders preparing emergency measures.
   • South Carolina’s emergency director called the situation potentially unprecedented.
7. Historical Context:
   • The Carolinas have faced catastrophic floods from tropical systems in recent years, with major damage and loss of life from hurricanes Joaquin, Matthew, and Florence.