Hurricane Debby: Tropical Storm Debby becomes a hurricane

ATLANTA — Tropical Storm Debby has now become a hurricane.

According to the National Hurricane Center, as of 11 p.m., Debby has become a hurricane as it approaches the northeastern Gulf Coast.

It is also expected to be a major flood threat to the southeastern states.

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Earlier Sunday, Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm.

According to Severe Weather Team 2 Chief Meteorologist Brad Nitz, Debby is expected to cause historic flooding.

On Sunday morning, Debby was about 155 miles southwest of Tampa, Florida, and about 205 miles south-southwest of Cedar Key, Florida.

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The White House said federal and state officials were in touch and FEMA “pre-positioned” resources including water and food.

For some, the name Debby summons bad memories of a 2012 tropical storm of the same name that caused $250 million in losses and eight deaths, including seven in the Sunshine State.

That storm dumped torrential rains, including an astronomical 29 inches south of Tallahassee.

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IN OTHER NEWS:

Tropical Storm Debby expected to bring historic flooding to parts of GA Tropical Storm Debby continues to strength as it moves up the Gulf Coast of Florida, eventually making its way into Georgia in the next couple of days.

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