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Sarasota, Florida Hit By Record-Breaking Rainfall From Storm Debby

A man takes photos of the surf, pushed by winds from Tropical Storm Debby, break over the sea wall in Cedar Key, Fla., on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher O'Meara)

Recently, Sarasota, Florida experienced unprecedented rainfall as a result of the trailing rain bands of Tropical Storm Debby. Despite the storm never making landfall in the area, Sarasota bore the brunt of its impact, with over 17 inches of rain falling over a three-day period.

This three-day deluge set a new record for the wettest period in Sarasota's history, highlighting the intensity of the storm's impact on the region. Emergency responders were kept busy conducting numerous rescues from flooded homes as the floodwaters rose, causing widespread damage and disruption.

Aerial footage from Florida Power & Light revealed the extent of the flooding, with water surrounding homes and submerging cars to the point where only their roofs were visible. The aftermath of the storm left a trail of destruction, with power outages affecting thousands of residents in Sarasota County.

Storm never made landfall but had significant impact.
Sarasota hit by over 17 inches of rain in three days.
Emergency responders conducted numerous rescues from flooded homes.

Despite the challenges posed by the floodwaters, efforts to restore power were underway, with around 2,000 customers still without electricity by Tuesday afternoon. The utility company worked tirelessly to address the outages and minimize the impact on the affected communities.

The resilience of the Sarasota community was evident as residents and authorities worked together to overcome the challenges brought about by Tropical Storm Debby. While the floodwaters recede and the cleanup efforts begin, the spirit of unity and determination shines through in the face of adversity.

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