Tropical Storm Debby has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with maximum winds of 75 mph ahead of its landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Monday. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 counties expected to be affected by the storm, and 3,000 National Guard members have been mobilized to assist with storm response. Debby is forecast to bring a storm surge of 2 to 10 feet and heavy rain, with parts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas expected to receive significant rainfall. Evacuation orders have been issued for several Florida counties as the storm approaches, and high-water rescues are already taking place in some areas. The University of South Florida and the University of Florida have announced closures for Monday. Officials are warning residents to use extreme caution while traveling due to the expected heavy rainfall. DeSantis compared Debby’s path to that of Hurricane Idalia, which caused significant damage in north Florida last year. At least three deaths were attributed to the 2023 storm, which left many without power and caused flooding and debris in affected areas. Residents are advised to stay informed and follow safety guidelines as the storm progresses.
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Debby upgrades to Category 1 hurricane and poses threat to Florida with looming landfall
