Hurricane Debby Nears Landfall in Florida Big Bend Area

Expected to Bring Heavy Rain and High Winds

Debby Slows Down, Poised to Leave Land

(August 26, 2023) - Hurricane Debby is moving towards landfall in the Florida Big Bend area, bringing with it the potential for heavy rain and high winds. As of 4 a.m., the eyewall of the storm is moving onshore, with tropical storm-force winds reaching as far as 125 miles from the center. The storm has weakened to a tropical storm but is expected to produce as much as 25 inches of rain in some areas as it moves north into North Carolina on Thursday and Friday. Debby first made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane over Florida's Big Bend coast on Monday morning. It then weakened to a tropical storm and moved back out to sea, but it has since turned northward and is now expected to make landfall again in the Florida Panhandle. The National Hurricane Center is urging residents in the affected areas to take precautions, including evacuating if necessary. As Debby approaches the coast, heavy rain and flooding are likely, and strong winds could cause damage to property. Residents should be prepared for power outages and other disruptions. The storm is also expected to bring high surf and rip currents to the beaches. Swimmers are advised to stay out of the water and beachgoers should be aware of the potential for dangerous conditions. Debby is the third named storm to hit the United States this hurricane season. The other two, Alex and Bonnie, caused significant damage in Florida and the Gulf Coast. The hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean typically runs from June 1 to November 30.