Tropical Storm Debby strengthens into a Category 1 hurricane as it heads toward Florida
SUMMARY
Hurricane Debby intensified into a Category 1 storm as it approached Florida on Sunday evening, threatening catastrophic flooding across Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia. The storm is expected to make landfall Monday in Florida's Big Bend area, with a tornado watch in effect for parts of Florida and Georgia. Residents are bracing for potential record-breaking rainfall, with up to 30 inches predicted in some areas. The storm's outer bands have already caused flooding and power outages along Florida's west coast. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other state officials declared emergencies, with evacuations ordered in coastal regions and shelters opened. The National Guard has activated 3,000 members in anticipation of the storm's impact. The storm surge is expected to reach up to 10 feet in some areas, with significant flooding likely to persist throughout the week.
