TAMPA, 6th August, 2024 (WAM) -- Tropical Storm Debby slammed Florida on Monday with torrential rain and high winds, contributing to at least four deaths in the state and the rescue of hundreds from flooded homes before turning menacingly toward the Eastern Seaboard’s low-lying regions and threatening to flood some of America’s southern cities.
Record-setting rain was causing flash flooding, with up to 30 inches (76 centimetres) possible in some areas, the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing the National Hurricane Centre.
President Joe Biden was briefed on the administration’s ongoing response to tropical storm Debby. He also approved emergency declarations for the states of Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia, urging residents in the storm’s path to use caution while facing this extreme weather event.
Since Debby is a slow-moving storm, it could bring persistent torrential rain for the next several days. Nearly 300,000 customers were without power in Florida and Georgia on Monday, according to PowerOutage.com.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said some 17,000 linemen are working to restore electricity. He warned residents in affected areas to sit tight until conditions are safe.
The impact of the tropical storm will be felt in the southeastern states through Saturday morning.