By: Victor Tang
As forecasters worldwide predicted, Hurricane Debbie hit southeast Florida on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Parts of southeast Florida prepared for the arrival of Debby, which was expected to take over Big Bend of Florida and bring fatal flooding and rainfall.
“Officials in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina activated emergency resources and shelters and urged residents to evacuate low-lying areas that are in Hurricane Debbie’s way.”
Here are some facts to know about the storm:
● Hurricane Debby was expected to build strength in the Gulf of Mexico and bring tropical conditions on Sunday.
● Storm surge warnings were in effect for parts of the Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina coasts, with up to 10 feet of surge expected in some areas. “This is a life-threatening situation,” the National Hurricane Center said on Sunday.
● Tornados are possible in Florida and parts of Georgia.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida ordered about 3000 members of the National Guard “to help respond to the storm.” “Fifteen counties issued voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders covering thousands of residents where storm surge and major flooding was expected.”
“Officials urged residents to heed evacuation directions.” In Hernando County, north of Tampa, they had set up a shelter at a nearby school.
“A life-threatening storm surge was expected for Tampa and other parts of the Florida Gulf Coast, the National Weather Service said.”
“Once it reaches Florida’s shores, Debby’s effects will be less about its winds and more about its rains, Mr. DeSantis said at a news conference on Sunday.”
“The system is expected to then move across southern Georgia from Monday into Tuesday, the Hurricane Center said.”
“Debby was expected to unleash six to 12 inches of rain in parts of Florida throughout the week. Rainfall of 10 to 20 inches was expected in Georgia and South Carolina, with up to 30 inches in some areas through Friday, forecasters said.”
The storm was expected to reach Georgia by Tuesday. Governors of Georgia and South Carolina urged residents to take the storm seriously and follow orders.
Forecasters expect Debbie to land as a hurricane-strength storm somewhere over Florida on Monday.
Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, said on Sunday that Debby was an “intensifying tropical storm” that was “well on its way to becoming a hurricane.” It strengthened on Sunday morning with winds of 65 miles per hour.
“There are going to be multiple hazards that are going to play out in association with Debby,” Mr. Brennan added.
Last year, a category 3 Hurricane Idalia, destroyed the same region. This was the largest storm to ever hit the Big Bend.
“If you have been asked to evacuate by your local officials and you live in one of those storm surge evacuation zones, you still have time to get to a safe place,” Mr. Brennan said.
He also warned of a fatal flood and rainfall along the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina on Tuesday through Wednesday.
In May, forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an “above normal” They expected 17-25 named storms. Debby is the fourth named storm so far.
Overall, Debby is a fatal storm, and people need to take it seriously for their lives.