Tropical Storm Debby has unleashed heavy rains and strong winds across northern Florida, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant property damage. As the downgraded hurricane stalled, residents braced for a week of relentless downpours and potential flooding.
The storm made landfall around 7 a.m. on Monday near Steinhatchee, approximately 115 kilometers southeast of Tallahassee, originally classified as a Category 1 hurricane with wind speeds reaching up to 130 kilometers per hour in the Big Bend region. However, as Debby moved inland, its intensity began to wane.
The devastating effects of Debby were felt immediately, with fallen trees claiming the lives of a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy in Levy County. In Georgia, a 19-year-old man lost his life when a tree toppled onto his porch in Valdosta. Additional fatalities include a truck driver who lost control of his 18-wheeler, leading to a crash into the Tampa Bypass Canal, and a 38-year-old woman and her 12-year-old son who were killed in a vehicle accident in Dixie County.
As Tropical Storm Debby continues its journey toward Georgia and the Carolinas, authorities are warning of ongoing threats from sustained heavy rainfall and the potential for widespread flooding across the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
