Florida residents are urged to stay prepared as Hurricane Debby hit the state on Monday morning as a Category 1 hurricane. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the ongoing threat of flooding even after the storm passes, warning residents to remain vigilant.
Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee, close to where Hurricane Idalia struck the Big Bend region a year ago. While Debby's maximum sustained winds reached 80 miles per hour with higher gusts, they were significantly lower than Idalia's peak winds of close to 120 miles per hour.
Over 200,000 power customers were left without electricity due to the storm, prompting a major effort to restore power. Governor DeSantis assured that 17,000 linemen are on standby to assist with the restoration process.
With Debby expected to move slowly along northern Florida, the state's Emergency Management executive director advised residents to prepare for the hurricane's impact for up to 10 days, depending on the amount of rainfall received.
Debby's landfall serves as a reminder of the importance of readiness and response in the face of natural disasters. Authorities are working diligently to mitigate the storm's effects and ensure the safety and well-being of all Floridians.
