Rain, Rain, Go Away: Tropical Storm Debby Continues to Flood Florida

Tropical Storm Debby threatens flooding, up to 25 inches of rain; Tampa and other areas under tropical storm warning for Debby

Staff Report

TAMPA, FL - Florida is bracing for more water and storms as Tropical Storm Debby continues to drench the Southeast region of the United States.

Several low-lying neighborhoods in the northern part of Florida were being threatened by flooding today as Tropical Storm Debby slowly works her way through the Gulf of Mexico.

The Sunshine State was anything but as rain, winds and flooding became serious problems for people throughout the state.

"Debby is currently stationary, and no significant motion is expected through the next day or so as a weak steering flow remains in the region," said the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

"All of the Florida Panhandle near and west of the Suwannee River is in the 3-day error cone and most areas north of a Port Charlotte to Cape Canaveral line are within the 5-day error cone."

At least one death so far, from a storm-related tornado, has been reported in Florida.

"Tropical storm force winds, heavy rainfall and isolated tornadoes are the main concerns today," according to a posting on the Florida Division of Emergency Management website.

"Rainfall amounts of 5+ inches today and tonight may lead to continued flooding for many areas of the state. In addition, locally heavy rainfall of potentially up to 10-20 inches through the next few days will continue to exacerbate flooding concerns of some areas."