Hurricane Debby Causes Catastrophic Flooding in Big Bend, Florida

Hurricane Debby hit Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 1 storm, causing severe storm surges, rainfall, and flooding. It bears similarities to Hurricane Harvey due to its slow movement and severity. Governors declared states of emergency in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Over 143,000 Floridians faced power outages.

Hurricane Debby made landfall as a Category 1 storm in the Big Bend region of Florida's Gulf Coast on Monday morning, triggering dangerous storm surges, heavy rainfall, and catastrophic flooding. The storm, which came ashore near Steinhatchee, Florida, about 70 miles southeast of Tallahassee, had maximum sustained winds of 80 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The hurricane evolved from a slow-moving tropical storm, fueled by warm Gulf waters. The storm is expected to bring life-threatening conditions, including storm surges up to 10 feet in some areas and historic rainfall between 10 and 20 inches, potentially flooding Georgia and South Carolina. Certain areas could see 30 inches of rain by Friday, forecasted the NHC.

Governor Ron DeSantis mobilized 3,000 National Guard troops and placed cities and counties under emergency orders. Mandatory evacuations were issued in parts of Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Levy, and Wakulla counties. DeSantis noted that over 17,000 linemen and electric workers were prepared to restore power. As of now, 143,000 Floridians are without electricity due to the storm.

(With inputs from agencies.)