Tropical Storm Debbie Causes Havoc in Southern US
Tropical Storm Debbie wreaked havoc in the Southern United States, causing widespread flooding and destruction in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The storm, which made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, brought record rainfall and triggered flash flooding in several areas, leading to multiple fatalities and displacing thousands of residents.
Impact on Florida and Georgia
Debbie pounded Florida and Georgia with heavy rains, leading to the rescue of hundreds of people from flooded homes. The storm’s slow movement caused prolonged downpours, resulting in significant flooding in Sarasota and Manatee counties in Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis issued warnings about the continuing threat of flooding as waterways overflowed and flowed southward from Georgia.
Despite weakening to a tropical storm, Debbie continued to cause havoc in southeastern Georgia, the Coastal Plain of South Carolina, and parts of North Carolina. The storm’s impact was felt as far north as Charleston, where flash flood warnings were issued, prompting the city to implement emergency measures, including curfews and sandbag distribution.
State of Emergency Declared
President Joe Biden approved requests for a state of emergency in Florida and South Carolina, allowing for federal aid to be expedited to the affected regions. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also urged Biden to issue a federal emergency declaration to facilitate the flow of assistance to Georgia.
With more than 140,000 customers without power and hundreds of flights canceled, the aftermath of Tropical Storm Debbie left a trail of destruction and disruption in its wake. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue stranded individuals and assess the extent of the damage caused by the storm.
