Hurricane Debby: Historic Storm Threatens Catastrophic Flooding in Southeast U.S.

Hurricane Debby is set to reach Florida's Big Bend coast, bringing record-setting rains, severe flooding, and life-threatening storm surges. The storm, with maximum winds of 75 mph, will impact Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Residents and officials brace for significant impacts, with emergency declarations and evacuations underway.

As Hurricane Debby approaches the Big Bend coast of Florida, forecasters anticipate record-setting rains and catastrophic flooding across the southeastern U.S. Late Sunday, the National Hurricane Center reported Debby was about 100 miles west of Tampa, with sustained winds of 75 mph, moving north at 12 mph.

This fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to make landfall around midday Monday. Heavy rain continues to threaten Georgia and South Carolina, with predictions of up to 30 inches, potentially setting new records for both states, causing life-threatening conditions.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 counties, mobilizing the National Guard. Georgia and South Carolina governors issued similar declarations. Residents in affected areas, including Steinhatchee and Savannah, braced for significant flooding, with emergency preparations, sandbags distribution, and evacuations showing the scale of looming danger.