Florida Prepares for Landfall as Tropical Storm Debby Strengthens
By Orlando Mayorquín, Aug. 4, 2024
Early Sunday, Floridians were bracing for the arrival of Tropical Storm Debby, anticipated making landfall over the state’s Big Bend coast as a hurricane late in the day. As Debby expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, officials across Florida and Georgia triggered emergency resources on Saturday, opening temporary shelters and urging residents of low-lying coastal regions to evacuate in the storm’s path.
Details About the Storm
As of 5 a.m. Sunday, Tropical Storm Debby was located 195 miles southwest of Tampa, Fla. The storm carried maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour. Storm surge warnings were in place for parts of the Florida and Georgia coasts, with some areas expected to face a surge up to 10 feet. Moreover, tornadoes were a possibility in Florida and parts of southeastern Georgia as the storm approached.
Preparation Measures
Preparations are in full swing in Florida and Georgia. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida mobilized about 3,000 members of the state’s National Guard to aid in the storm response. Nine counties had issued voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders affecting thousands of residents expected to confront storm surge and serious flooding. Local officials have urged residents to pay attention to evacuation orders and prepare for potential power outages.
Hernando County
In Hernando County, located north of Tampa, voluntary evacuations started on Saturday night, and a shelter was established at a local school.
Paul Hasenmeier, the county’s fire chief, cautioned residents during a news conference Saturday evening, saying, “Take the situation seriously. We know the water is going to rise as the storm passes.” He further added, “We expect conditions to worsen throughout the day on Sunday.”
Storm Surge Warning
The National Weather Service has predicted life-threatening storm surge for Tampa and other areas of the Florida Gulf Coast. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in Citrus, Levy, and Franklin counties.
As we continue to gather more information, residents are urged to take necessary precautions and follow safety instructions from local authorities. The storm poses serious concerns, with potential power outages, flooding, and life-threatening storm surges.
Residents are reminded to tune into their local station or check online sources for updates regarding Tropical Storm Debby. This is a developing situation and it is of paramount importance for everyone to stay abreast of the most recent information and guidance.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
