How much rain did Hurricane Debby drop in Manatee County? Storm set a new record

Hurricane Debby flooded Manatee County with record rainfall totals.

The storm dropped nearly 12 inches of rain as it passed through the area Sunday and early Monday morning, according to the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport weather station.

Manatee County officials said in a news release that the eastern part of the county received four inches, while more than 14 inches were reported in areas near Parrish and the county’s southwestern portion.

The 12 inches of rain reported at the airport weather station is a record for daily rainfall, the news release said.

“Assets are in place to perform any necessary rescues, but they will need room to work,” said Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske in the news release. “We are urging everyone to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. We do not need disaster tourists.”

Debby strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane by the time it made landfall early Monday in Florida’s Big Bend region near Steinhatchee.

County officials said in the news release to call 311 for flooding issues and 911 for emergencies.

For more information about evacuation levels, shelters and sandbag locations, visit MyManatee.org/storm .