TAMPA, FL – Florida is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Debbie, a ferocious storm that has unleashed heavy rains and powerful winds, causing widespread power outages and significant flooding. Utility crews are on the ground, working around the clock to restore electricity to the affected areas.
The storm has already turned deadly, claiming four lives in Florida. Among the victims is a 13-year-old boy from Levy County who was killed when a tree fell on his mobile home. The tragic incident occurred just an hour after the hurricane made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 1 storm.
In Tampa, the severe weather conditions contributed to a fatal accident involving an 18-wheeler that lost control and crashed into the Tampa Bypass Canal. The driver did not survive, and authorities are still piecing together the events that led to the crash.
The hurricane’s wrath has been felt across the state. In Sarasota, floodwaters have submerged vehicles, and residents have resorted to using inflatable tubes to navigate the inundated streets. Fort Myers saw a jet ski riding through a flooded street, underscoring the storm’s impact. Cedar Key experienced storm surges that elevated water levels by over two and a half feet, damaging local establishments.
In High Springs, a police officer had a close call when a tree fell on his patrol car while he was responding to another emergency. Thankfully, the officer was not injured. The storm has also prompted emergency declarations in Georgia and South Carolina, where National Guard units are being deployed to assist with flood prevention and rescue efforts.
President Biden has been updated on the situation, and FEMA has mobilized teams to support the affected regions in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. As Hurricane Debbie continues to move up the East Coast, residents are advised to stay vigilant and follow all safety advisories.