Tropical Storm Debby to hit Florida as hurricane with ‘life-threatening’ storm surge, rain: Live

Tropical Storm Debby is expected to strengthen rapidly to a Category 1 hurricane and make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region, bringing heavy rain, flooding and “life-threatening” storm surge to the area, the National Weather Service said.

Debby will make landfall on Monday morning, the National Weather Service said, bringing hurricane conditions to the area. Historic levels of rain — up to 30 inches — are expected in Georgia and South Carolina through Friday, according to the NWS. Florida, meanwhile, could see up to 18 inches of rain.

Officials are warning of “life-threatening storm surge” up to 10 feet along the western Florida coast. Tornadoes are also threatening southwestern Florida on Sunday morning as Debby brings 60 mph winds to the region.

Governor Ron DeSantis has placed more than 50 of Florida’s counties under a state of emergency as the storm approaches. State workers are poised to open shelters as needed, he said.

DeSantis warned that residents should prepare for “pretty catastrophic” rain, flooding and power outages.

“Just because you are not in the eye of the storm doesn’t mean you’re not going to have major, major effects,” he said on Sunday morning.