Tropical Storm Debby has made its presence known in some of America's most historic Southern cities, causing record-setting rain and flash flooding. The storm, which has claimed at least five lives, is expected to bring up to 30 inches of rain in some areas, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Florida before weakening to a tropical storm. It is currently moving slowly across eastern Georgia, the coastal plain of South Carolina, and southeast North Carolina, with catastrophic flooding anticipated through Wednesday.
Rescue efforts have been underway in various locations, with hundreds of people being saved from flooded homes. In Sarasota, Florida, over 500 individuals were rescued, while in Manatee County, 186 people were saved from floodwaters.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued warnings about the ongoing threats posed by the storm, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance as waterways fill up and flow south. Power outages have affected over 140,000 customers in Florida and Georgia, with additional outages in South Carolina.
The storm's impact has led to the cancellation of over 1,600 flights nationwide, with President Joe Biden approving emergency declarations for both South Carolina and Florida. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has requested a preemptive federal emergency declaration to expedite the flow of federal aid to the state.
North Carolina has also declared a state of emergency, with areas along the coastline, such as Wilmington and the Outer Banks, at risk of flooding. The region has experienced catastrophic floods from tropical systems in recent years, causing significant damage and loss of life.
As Tropical Storm Debby continues its path, residents and authorities are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all those affected by the storm.
