Hurricane Debby Brings Catastrophic Flooding Risks to Florida and Southeast

Hurricane Debby, a Category 1 storm, made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, bringing devastating potential for record-setting rains, flooding, and storm surge. Nearly 214,000 residents lost power, and the storm now threatens Georgia and South Carolina, with projected rainfall of up to 30 inches. Emergency declarations are in place as residents prepare for further impact.

Hurricane Debby reached the Big Bend coast of Florida early Monday, bringing significant risks of record-setting rains, catastrophic flooding, and life-threatening storm surges as it makes its way across northern parts of the state before stalling over the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina.

The storm, a Category 1 hurricane, made landfall near Steinhatchee, a small community on Florida's Gulf Coast, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and moving northeast at 10 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Despite striking one of Florida's least populated areas, forecasters have warned heavy rain could cause catastrophic flooding across Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia. As of Monday morning, nearly 214,000 customers in Florida were without power. A tornado watch is also in effect for parts of Florida and Georgia.

(With inputs from agencies.)