Tropical storm Debby causes devastation and flood warnings in the U.S.

Tropical Storm Debby has made landfall in the United States again, this time near Bulls Bay, South Carolina, and its impact is being felt intensely as it moves northward. With maximum sustained winds of 80 km/h, Debby has left a trail of devastation and chaos, having caused the deaths of at least five people since its arrival in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane. Authorities are on high alert for the possibility of catastrophic flooding and other weather threats as the storm continues on its path. Since its initial impact in Florida, Debby has dumped more than 300 mm of rain, leading to overflowing rivers, flooded roads, and isolating people in vehicles and homes. As the storm slowly moves northeast, the situation is expected to worsen, especially in North Carolina, where Governor Roy Cooper has urged residents to prepare for what he has described as a "deluge." Projections indicate that some areas could receive up to 380 mm of rain, representing more precipitation than many residents see in an entire month. Authorities are not only dealing with the high amount of rainfall but also with the risk of tornadoes in North Carolina. Warnings have been issued for the eastern part of the state, where severe weather conditions are expected in the coming hours. In the context of this crisis, President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration for Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, allowing federal resources to be mobilized to mitigate the storm's impact. One critical point is a dam in Bulloch County, Georgia, which faces an "imminent failure" risk due to the intense rainfall. The National Weather Service has warned that if the dam collapses, downstream communities could experience severe flooding, potentially leading to the evacuation of residents. Search and rescue teams are on alert, ready to respond to any emergencies that arise in these highly vulnerable areas. The weather in the Southeast is not only marked by the storm but also by a heatwave that has taken hold of the region. Despite the relatively mild temperatures forecasted, the heat index, which combines temperature and humidity, could exceed 43°C in some locations, such as Steinhatchee, Florida. This combination of extreme heat and bad weather further complicates rescue and recovery efforts, putting the health of affected citizens at risk. Storm Debby has tested the response capacity of local and state authorities. More than 700 personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been deployed in the Southeast to assist in rescue and recovery operations. However, as the storm progresses, the need for assistance becomes increasingly critical, and emergency teams face the constant challenge of ensuring the safety and property of citizens. Meanwhile, Debby's advance northward, expected to continue through Virginia and Pennsylvania, keeps millions of people on edge. Weather projections indicate that the storm could accelerate its movement and bring torrential rains to New England on Saturday, alerting residents of this region to be prepared for severe weather conditions. In light of the magnitude of the crisis, many are wondering how the infrastructure of the affected communities will withstand the storm's onslaught. Stories of solidarity and bravery emerge as citizens come together to face the disaster, but the uncertainty and fear of what may happen are palpable. Authorities urge everyone to follow safety recommendations and stay informed about weather updates. Tropical Storm Debby is a chilling reminder of how extreme weather conditions can transform everyday life in an instant. As the region faces the devastating effects of the storm, the resilience of communities and the effectiveness of the emergency response will be tested in this unprecedented climate crisis. The coming hours and days will be crucial in determining the full extent of the damage and the capacity for recovery after Debby's passage.