Hurricane Debby has made landfall on the Big Bend coast of Florida as a Category 1 storm.
The storm has the potential to cause catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge in northern Florida.
The big picture: Forecasters have warned of record-setting rain that could pummel coastal Georgia and South Carolina as the storm moves east.
- The storm hit near Steinhatchee, a small community with less than 1,000 residents on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
- Maximum sustained winds were reported at 75 mph (120 kph) and the storm was moving north-northeast at 10 mph (17 kph).
- While the area where Debby made landfall is sparsely populated, heavy rain could still lead to catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.
- Approximately 300,000 customers were without power in Florida and Georgia.
What we’re watching: The storm surge, expected to be the biggest threat, could reach 6 to 10 feet above ground level in certain areas.
- Several rivers in Georgia are predicted to experience major flooding.
- The storm is expected to stall over coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina, potentially bringing record-setting rainfall and severe flooding.
