Hurricane Debby Upgraded to Category 1 Storm
Hurricane Debby, the fourth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and the second named hurricane, has intensified into a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120km/hour. It is currently located about 160km west north-west of Tampa, Florida, and is expected to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region soon.
Authorities in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina are on high alert as Debby is projected to bring heavy rainfall and possible flooding to the region. The hurricane is set to strengthen further as it approaches land, prompting evacuation orders and warnings across various states.
The potential for historic rainfall amounts over the southeastern United States poses a significant threat, with forecasts indicating a month’s worth of rain could fall in a single day. As the storm progresses, residents are urged to prepare for storm surge, floods, and power outages.
As Debby lingers over warm waters, the storm is expected to intensify, posing a risk of heavy rain and flooding for several days along the Georgia-Carolina coastline. Climate change-induced factors like warmer oceans and a warmer atmosphere are contributing to the storm’s strength and potential impact.