Vice President Kamala Harris has decided to postpone her scheduled trip to Georgia in light of the ongoing effects of Tropical Storm Debby. The campaign team announced that her visit to Savannah, Georgia, planned for Thursday, has been delayed due to the storm.
Harris is currently in the process of selecting her running mate and is set to reveal the choice during a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Following this announcement, the duo will embark on a journey to several key battleground states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada. However, the Georgia leg of the original itinerary has been canceled for the time being.
Flight Cancellations and Storm Impact
Tropical Storm Debby, which made landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane, is expected to bring significant rainfall to Georgia and South Carolina as it moves eastward. The storm has resulted in over 1,600 flight cancellations nationwide, with a substantial number affecting Florida airports. Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport experienced a high percentage of canceled flights on Monday.
President Biden's Response and Storm Casualties
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the progress of Tropical Storm Debby while at his residence in Wilmington, Delaware. The White House confirmed that Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida and dispatched federal resources to assist in the storm-affected areas.
Tragically, several fatalities have been reported in connection with the storm. A 13-year-old boy lost his life when a tree fell on a mobile home in Florida, while other deaths occurred as Debby moved inland, including a truck driver and a woman with a young passenger.
Debby Weakens but Flooding Threat Persists
Although Debby has weakened into a tropical storm, forecasters warn of the continued risk of catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia. The storm surge remains a significant concern, with parts of Florida facing potential inundation up to 10 feet above ground level.
Power Outages and Precautionary Measures
As of Monday, more than 350,000 customers were without power in Florida and Georgia. Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the importance of safety, urging residents to avoid flooded areas and not to attempt driving through hazardous conditions.
