For days, the authorities have been warning about Hurricane Debby – it could bring severe flooding and tornadoes. Now it has made landfall in Florida. More than 200,000 households are already without power.
Hurricane Debby has made landfall in Florida. The hurricane reached Steinhatchee on the Gulf Coast with wind speeds of 129 kilometers per hour, the hurricane center in Miami reported. According to Poweroutage.com, almost 214,000 households in Florida were without power as of Monday morning local time.
Authorities warn of life-threatening Storm surges
On its way towards the southeast coast of the USA, “Debby” had increased in strength again. According to the US Hurricane Center, life-threatening storm surges are threatening along the Gulf Coast of Florida, which could reach heights of up to three meters in some areas. “Debby” could bring “historic rainfall”. There is also a risk of tornadoes.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said at an emergency meeting to prepare for “Debby” over the weekend: “We are expecting very, very severe flooding, especially in northern and central Florida.”
Forced evacuations for some regions
Authorities have already ordered mandatory evacuations for some areas in Citrus County. In other areas, residents have been urged to make final preparations.
According to forecasts, “Debby” will also pass over Georgia and South Carolina in the coming days. In both states, the governors have already declared a state of emergency as a precautionary measure.
