Now a Category 1 hurricane, Hurricane Debby moves toward Florida’s Big Bend area. According to the National Hurricane Center, at 2 a.m. ET, it had winds of 80 mph, with the center located about 40 miles west of Cedar Key. Such a strong hurricane is likely to bring rough weather conditions inclusive of life-threatening storm surges and heavy flooding across the southeastern states.
Table of Contents
Where Is Hurricane Debby Now and its Current Situation
Location:
About 40 miles west of Cedar Key, Fla.
Wind Speeds:
Sustained at 80 mph.
Landfall Expected:
This afternoon. Somewhere between Indian Pass and the Steinhatchee River in the Big Bend area of Florida.
Alerts:
Hurricane warnings were issued from Yankeetown to Indian Pass. Tropical storm warnings stretch from South Santee, South Carolina to St. Augustine, Fla. (FOX Weather). wtsp.com.
Impact and Preparations
Rainfall:
Much of central and northern Florida and southeastern North Carolina could get 6 to 12 inches of rain, while some locations could get up to 18 inches. Southeastern Georgia and South Carolina might get 10-20 inches of rain, with isolated spots receiving as much as 30 inches.
Storm Surge:
A storm surge watch has been issued from Englewood to Longboat Key, Fla., forecasting surges likely to cause severe coastal flooding (National Hurricane Center).
Power Outages and Damage:
More than 100,000 people are already without power, with the storm’s impacts only expected to grow worse as it makes landfall (FOX Weather) (National Hurricane Center).
Emergency Response:
The Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis declared 61 counties to be in a state of emergency. Almost 3,000 National Guardsmen were deployed for emergency response and evacuation procedures (FOX Weather) (wtsp.com).
Community Response and Safety Measurements
Curfews:
Taylor County has implemented a curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. for protection and to lessen exposure to strong winds and flooding. Residents are strongly encouraged to evacuate areas subject to surges (National Hurricane Center).
Evacuations:
While not all counties have issued an evacuation mandate, it is highly encouraged; more so in areas that have a history of heavy flooding and storm surge .
Tornado Risk:
As Debby continues to move inland, the NHC is warning there could be possible tornadoes in the Tampa Bay area and other parts of the state, according to FOX Weather.
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What do you feel about the preparation that was made for Hurricane Debby? Have you been affected by the storm? Share your experiences and recommendations on how extremities like these in weather could have been better prepared within the community. Let’s discuss how we can take care of each other during this time.
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Sources:
Fox Weather
WTSP News
National Hurricane Center
Your safety is our No. 1 priority. Let us know how you’re preparing for Hurricane Debby, and what more could be done as a community to ensure everyone’s well-being.
Love you all and thanks.
Best Regards,
Nicholas Campbell, Greensboro Triad Access
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