Tropical Storm Debby has moved away from Florida, leaving behind significant flooding and at least four fatalities as it heads towards Georgia and South Carolina.
According to Local 10 News, a truck driver died on Interstate 75 in the Tampa area after losing control of his tractor-trailer. The vehicle overturned onto a concrete barrier and dangled over the edge before the cab fell into the water. Divers from the sheriff's office located the driver, a 64-year-old man from Mississippi, inside the cab 40 feet (12 meters) below the surface, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Another victim was a 13-year-old boy who died after a tree fell on a mobile home southwest of Gainesville, as reported by the Levy County Sheriff's Office. Meanwhile, a 38-year-old woman and a 12-year-old child died in a car accident on wet roads in Dixie County, east of the Big Bend region where the storm made landfall on Sunday night. The Florida Highway Patrol stated that a 14-year-old passenger in the vehicle was hospitalized with serious injuries.
CNN reported that urban search and rescue teams are going door-to-door in two coastal communities in Florida that were severely impacted to assess the damage caused by Debby. "A strong presence of the National Guard and urban search and rescue teams from Florida Task Forces 1 and 2 are in the county assisting the coastal communities of Suwannee and Horseshoe Beach," announced the Dixie County Fire Rescue unit on Facebook.
Social media has been abuzz with reports of flooding in several areas of Florida.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated that about 17,000 line workers are working to restore power, with more than 350,000 customers left without electricity in Florida and Georgia, according to PowerOutage.us and the Georgia Electric Membership Corp. He also warned residents in the affected areas to wait until conditions are safe.
Debby made landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h. It weakened and moved slowly northeast at about 17 km/h.
Key Questions About Tropical Storm Debby's Impact
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debby and its impact on Florida and surrounding areas.
What caused the truck accident on Interstate 75?
The truck accident occurred when the driver lost control of his tractor-trailer, which overturned onto a concrete barrier and fell into the water.
How many people were left without power due to Tropical Storm Debby?
More than 350,000 customers were left without electricity in Florida and Georgia.
What actions are being taken to assist the affected communities?
Urban search and rescue teams, along with the National Guard, are assisting the affected coastal communities by going door-to-door to assess damage and provide aid.