Storm Debby strengthens into hurricane as it approaches Florida coast

The southeastern US state is facing “historic” rains and possible “major flooding” as the storm is expected to hit its coast midday on Monday.

In the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Debby has strengthened into a hurricane. According to the American Hurricane Center (NHC), which reclassified the storm on Sunday, August 4, as a category 1 hurricane, the state of Florida risks experiencing rains “historical”as well as possible “major floods”, while the phenomenon is due to hit its shores on Monday at midday.

The NHC warned of a deadly storm surge along the west coast of the southeastern state, with surges of up to 10 feet (3 meters). Debby could also bring tornadoes early in the day, forecasters said. As of 11 p.m. local time, the hurricane was about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Tampa, according to the NHC. It was moving at about 12 mph (20 kph), with winds of up to 75 mph (120 kph).

NHC Director Mike Brennan urged Florida residents to “find a safe place before nightfall.” Evacuation orders have been issued in several counties across the state, according to local media. “Take the situation seriously,” said a fire official. “We know that the water will rise as [Debby] pass.”

President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency in Florida, releasing federal funds to help local authorities. The governors of Georgia and South Carolina have also declared states of emergency in their states. In July, Hurricane Beryl, which arrived unusually early, had already hit the southern United States and killed several people.

According to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the hurricane season, which runs from early June to late November, is expected to be particularly turbulent this year due to warm oceans. Marine heat waves, which are becoming more frequent due to global warming caused by human activities, fuel storms and hurricanes.

Since the 19th century, the average temperature of the Earth has warmed by 1.1°C. Scientists have established with certainty that this increase is due to human activities, consumers of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas). This warming, unprecedented in its speed, threatens the future of our societies and biodiversity. But solutions – renewable energies, moderation, reduction of meat consumption – exist. Discover our answers to your questions on the climate crisis.