Hurricane Debby, packing 80 mph winds, struck the rural Big Bend region of Florida near Steinhatchee on Monday morning. It was the second hurricane to hit the area in less than a year.
The storm, forecasted to bring catastrophic flooding to parts of the Southeast, is expected to slow down and move across North Florida and Southeast Georgia before potentially making a second landfall in South Carolina.
The storm unleashed torrential rain across Florida and Southeast Georgia, inundating communities and causing widespread disruption.
Read: Debby Could Bring Threatening Catastrophic Flooding To Florida, Georgia, And South Carolina
The most heavily affected areas are those in low-lying regions and along rivers, where water levels have risen dramatically. Numerous roads and bridges have been washed out, making rescue efforts and evacuations challenging. Emergency responders are working tirelessly to reach stranded residents and provide assistance.
The National Weather Service has issued numerous flash flood warnings, urging residents to seek higher ground and avoid driving through flooded areas. The slow-moving nature of Debby is exacerbating the flooding, as it continues to dump rain on already saturated ground.
Rivers across the region are swelling, with some expected to reach record levels. The St. Johns River in Northeast Florida is of particular concern, as it is projected to crest at a level that would surpass the previous record set during Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Read: Tropical Storm Debby Now A Hurricane, Threatens Historic Rainfall In Southeast U.S.
The flooding has also caused widespread power outages, leaving thousands of residents without electricity. Utility crews are working to restore power, but the ongoing hazardous conditions hamper their efforts.
The full extent of the damage caused by the flooding is still unknown, but it is clear that the recovery will be a long and arduous process. As the storm continues to move across the region, the threat of additional flooding remains high. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.
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