The US Hurricane Center announced this on its website on Monday night. “Debby” is expected to make landfall in Florida around midday (local time). Life-threatening storm surges are threatening along the state’s Gulf Coast, which could reach heights of up to three meters in some areas.
“Debby” could bring “historic rainfall” and there is a risk of “catastrophic flooding,” warned the National Hurricane Center (NHC). There is also a risk of tornadoes. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for his part, said at an emergency meeting to prepare for “Debby” at the weekend: “We are expecting very, very severe flooding, especially in northern and central Florida.”
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Wind speeds up to 120 km/h
According to forecasts, the hurricane was expected to make landfall in the Big Bend region at noon on Monday (local time). On Sunday evening at 11 p.m. (Monday 5 a.m. CEST) it was located about 160 kilometers west of the city of Tampa. Wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour were measured. Authorities have already ordered mandatory evacuations for some regions 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.
Source: Nachrichten