The Latest: Debby knocks out power to hundreds of thousands in Florida, Georgia

Hurricane Debby made landfall in one of Florida’s least populated areas, but meteorologists warned that heavy rainfall could cause catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia

Hurricane Debby made landfall in one of Florida’s least populated areas, but meteorologists warned that heavy rains could cause catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. About 300,000 customers were without power According to PowerOutage.com, power outages occurred in Florida and Georgia on Monday.

According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Debby has sustained winds of up to 75 mph (120 km/h).

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Meteorologists say storm surge would pose the greatest threat to Florida, with flooding reaching 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) above ground level in parts of the zone. at the Big Bend.

“That part of the coast is a very vulnerable spot,” John Cangialosi, a hurricane specialist with the National Hurricane Center, said Monday. Some areas, including Sarasota and Manatee County, have already received 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) of rain.

In Georgia, the National Weather Service is predicting major flooding on several rivers: the Canoochee River near Claxton, the Ohoopee River near Reidsville and the Ogeechee River near Eden. All of those rivers were below flood stage Monday, but their water levels could more than double later in the week.

About 300,000 customers were without power According to PowerOutage.com, power outages occurred in Florida and Georgia on Monday.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said about 17,000 workers were working to restore power. He warned residents in affected areas to remain calm until conditions are safe.

“When the water rises, when you have streets that can be flooded, that’s dangerous,” DeSantis said. “Don’t try to drive through these. We don’t want to increase the number of traffic fatalities. Don’t tempt fate, don’t try to drive through these flooded streets.”