In the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Debby has strengthened into a hurricane. According to the American Hurricane Center (NHC), which reclassified the storm on Sunday, August 4, as a category 1 hurricane, the state of Florida risks experiencing rains “historical”as well as possible “major floods”, while the phenomenon is due to hit its shores on Monday at midday.
The NHC warned of a deadly storm surge along the west coast of the southeastern state, with surges of up to 10 feet (3 meters). Debby could also bring tornadoes early in the day, forecasters said. As of 11 p.m. local time, the hurricane was about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Tampa, according to the NHC. It was moving at about 12 mph (20 kph), with winds of up to 75 mph (120 kph).
NHC Director Mike Brennan urged Florida residents to “find a safe place before nightfall.” Evacuation orders have been issued in several counties across the state, according to local media. “Take the situation seriously,” said a fire official. “We know that the water will rise as [Debby] pass.”
President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in Florida, releasing federal funds to help local authorities. The governors of Georgia and South Carolina have also declared states of emergency in their states. In July, Hurricane Beryl, which arrived unusually early, had already hit the southern United States and killed several people.
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