Tropical Storm Debby Intensifies as Florida Faces Emergency Orders

Tropical Storm Debby has rapidly intensified and is on track to develop into a hurricane before making landfall on Florida’s Gulf coast.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of potentially life-threatening conditions, including storm surges of up to 7 feet and catastrophic flooding, as the storm approaches.

As of Sunday, Debby was located approximately 130 miles southwest of Tampa, moving northward at 13 mph, with maximum sustained winds reaching 65 mph.

The storm is expected to impact the Gulf Coast region by Monday morning, bringing with it heavy rainfall that could reach between 10 to 20 inches, particularly threatening low-lying areas in Georgia and South Carolina.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for most of the state, mobilizing 3,000 National Guard troops to assist with preparations.

Evacuations have been ordered for certain coastal counties, including Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. DeSantis emphasized the installation of flood control devices at utility stations to help mitigate power outages caused by flooding.

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has also issued an emergency proclamation. Federal resources, including food and water supplies, have been pre-positioned by FEMA in coordination with local officials.

As Debby continues its path, it is expected to weaken slightly after landfall but will still deliver significant rainfall across central Florida before heading towards Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina.

Coastal areas from Bonita Beach to Tampa Bay should prepare for higher-than-normal ocean surges, posing a risk to infrastructure and safety.

Local governments are taking precautions; for example, Tampa officials have distributed over 30,000 sandbags in anticipation of flooding. Florida State University will close its campus on Monday to ensure safety.

With the 2024 hurricane season forecasted to be active, residents are urged to remain vigilant as the storm approaches.