Hurricane Debby struck Florida’s Big Bend near Steinhatchee early this morning as a Category 1 hurricane, boasting sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm has since weakened to a tropical storm but continues to pose significant threats as it moves towards the Georgia coast and the Carolinas.
Impact and Casualties: The storm’s arrival has claimed at least four lives in Florida, with widespread power outages affecting over 158,000 customers across Florida and Georgia as of late tonight. Emergency responders have conducted nearly 60 water rescues in Manatee County alone, ensuring the safety of over 200 individuals amidst severe flooding.
Response and Preparedness: The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency has deployed swift water rescue teams to South Carolina in anticipation of Debby’s heavy rainfall and potential water hazards. President Joe Biden has approved emergency declarations for both Florida and South Carolina, facilitating federal aid deployment to affected areas.
Current Situation: As Debby transitions into a tropical storm, officials warn that the primary threats now stem from heavy rainfall and associated flooding in parts of Georgia and the Carolinas. Efforts are underway to locate a missing boater in Gulfport, Florida, amidst ongoing adverse weather conditions.
Road and Bridge Closures: In a dramatic development, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay has been closed due to rising waters, highlighting the perilous conditions faced by coastal communities.
Conclusion: Authorities continue to monitor Debby’s progress closely, urging residents to heed local warnings and stay vigilant as the storm progresses northeastward. The safety and well-being of residents remain paramount as communities brace for further impacts from Hurricane Debby turned tropical storm.
This summary encapsulates the latest developments surrounding Hurricane Debby’s landfall and its aftermath across the southeastern United States.
Key Points:
- Hurricane Debby Landfall:
- Made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near Steinhatchee, Florida.
- Sustained winds of 80 mph at landfall.
- Casualties and Damage:
- At least four fatalities reported in Florida.
- Over 158,000 customers without power in Florida and Georgia.
- Power Outages:
- Around 135,000 without power in Florida.
- Approximately 23,300 without power in Georgia, as of 11 p.m.
- Emergency Response:
- Tennessee sending swift water rescue teams to South Carolina.
- Focus on rain and water hazards as the storm moves towards Georgia and the Carolinas.
- Current Storm Status:
- Debby has weakened to a tropical storm.
- Main threats now include heavy rain and flooding.
- Water Rescues in Florida:
- 58 water rescues conducted in Manatee County, rescuing 207 people.
- Manatee County faced severe flooding, with Bradenton receiving 11 inches of rain and Lakewood Ranch over 16 inches.
- Federal Response:
- President Joe Biden approved emergency declarations for Florida and South Carolina.
- Federal resources, including DOD, HHS, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Coast Guard, are on standby to assist.
- Missing Boater in Florida:
- 48-year-old boater Brian J. Clough reported missing in Gulfport, Florida.
- Clough’s sailboat was found partially sunk with his dog onboard.
- Infrastructure Impact:
- Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay closed due to rising waters.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Warnings:
- Officials continue to monitor the storm.
- Residents urged to stay vigilant and follow local safety advisories.
