Hurricane Debby made landfall around 7 a.m. local time this Monday in Steinhatchee, a small community in Taylor County, located on the northwest coast of Florida.
At the time of landfall, Debby had sustained winds of approximately 81 mph (130 km/h) and was moving northeast at 10.6 mph (17 km/h), according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami.
The storm hit one of Florida's least populated areas, but meteorologists warned that heavy rains could cause catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Potential Flooding and Power Outages
Debby is expected to trigger significant flooding in parts of the southeastern United States. Nearly 214,000 customers were without power in Florida on Monday morning, according to PowerOutage.com.
A tornado warning was also in effect for parts of Florida and Georgia on Monday. The NHC warns of catastrophic flooding and potentially deadly storm surges as the system slowly moves through the northern part of the state before stalling over the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina.
The sparsely populated Big Bend region in Florida's Panhandle was also hit last year by Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane.
State of Emergency and Evacuation Efforts
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency and mobilized the National Guard to assist in evacuation and rescue operations. Emergency teams are on high alert, and shelters have been set up for those needing to evacuate their homes.
Communities in the path of Hurricane Debby are urged to stay informed through media updates and NHC advisories. Quick preparation and response are critical to minimizing the hurricane's impact and safeguarding lives and property.
Debby is the second hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, following Hurricane Beryl, which struck Texas last month. Typically, the second hurricane doesn't form before August 26, making the 2024 hurricane season exceptionally active as predicted by weather models.
Hurricane Debby: Key Facts and Safety Measures
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hurricane Debby and important safety measures for residents in affected areas.
What areas are most at risk from Hurricane Debby?
The most at-risk areas include parts of Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia, particularly the coastal regions prone to flooding and storm surges.
What should residents do to prepare for Hurricane Debby?
Residents should stay informed through official updates, secure their property, have an emergency kit ready, and be prepared to evacuate if advised by local authorities.
How is the government responding to the hurricane?
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency and mobilized the National Guard to assist with evacuation and rescue operations. Emergency teams and shelters are also being prepared.