Hurricane Debby intensifies and threatens historic flooding in Florida.

Tropical Storm Debby has evolved into a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches the coasts of Florida, prompting meteorologists to issue alerts about the potential for catastrophic flooding in several southeastern states of the United States. Since forming early in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Debby has become the fourth named storm, joining Alberto, Beryl, and Chris, which had already made their appearances in June. Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) indicate that Debby will make landfall on Monday at noon in the Big Bend region, an area known for its vulnerability to hurricanes. As it intensifies, the storm is expected to produce rainfall that could reach up to 76 centimeters (30 inches), severely impacting Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia. Authorities have already issued tornado warnings for some areas, indicating the severity of the situation. Sheryl Horne, owner of a fishing camp in St. Marks, shared her experience. "Right now we are trying to secure everything to prevent it from floating away," she commented, reflecting the concern of many residents in the area who are trying to protect their properties. This region was hit hard last year by Hurricane Idalia, which reached Category 3, and many fear that Debby could be even more devastating due to its intense rainfall. NHC director Michael Brennan warned about the possibility of this storm setting rainfall records in Georgia and South Carolina. "Some really astonishing rainfall totals are forecasted, and astonishing in the bad sense," Brennan emphasized, suggesting that flooding could be historic for these areas. Warnings of storm surge are also a cause for concern, as flooding along the Florida coast is expected to range from 2.5 to 3 meters (6 to 10 feet). Coastal towns like Savannah and Hilton Head are in the crosshairs of these weather projections. Savannah officials have indicated that the region could receive in four days the amount of rain that would normally fall in a month. "This is a significant storm. The word historic cannot be underestimated here," said Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson at a press conference, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The NHC reported that Debby was located about 161 kilometers (100 miles) west of Tampa, with sustained winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour). As the storm's cloud bands begin to impact the Florida coast, streets are already flooded in areas like Siesta Key, causing power outages and transportation complications. Governor Ron DeSantis has also expressed his concern, warning of the potential for "very, very significant flooding" in the northern and central parts of the state. DeSantis compared Debby's path to that of Idalia, although he emphasized that this phenomenon would be "much wetter." Preparations for the storm are underway, with hurricane alerts activated in various parts of the Big Bend region. As residents prepare for Debby's arrival, many are trying to secure their properties and prevent damage. Some have moved their boats inland, aware of the devastation that a storm of this magnitude can bring. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and are urging caution. Along the coast, the community is on high alert as they await the impact of Debby. With the storm set to make landfall in the coming hours, time is of the essence, and preparation efforts cannot be halted. The coming days will be critical for millions of people in the southeastern United States as they face one of the greatest challenges that tropical storms can bring.