Tropical Storm Debby Bears Down on the Gulf Coast: Emergency Numbers and Advisories

Tropical Storm Debby is intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, posing a significant threat to the Gulf Coast region. As the storm approaches, residents are urged to take immediate action to ensure their safety.

Storm Details:

• Location: 250 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River
• Wind Speed: 60 mph
• Movement: Northwest at 10 mph
• Expected Landfall: Tonight or early tomorrow morning

Emergency Numbers:

• National Hurricane Center: 1-305-229-4470
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): 1-800-621-3362
• American Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
• Local Emergency Management Office:

Here are the Local Emergency Management Offices for storm Debby for all affected states:

Florida:
• Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM): (link unavailable) or (850) 413-9890

Georgia:
• Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS): (link unavailable) or (800) 864-7275

Alabama:
• Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA): (link unavailable) or (205) 280-2200

South Carolina:
• South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD): (link unavailable) or (803) 737-8500

North Carolina:
• North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management: (link unavailable) or (919) 733-2287

Mississippi:
• Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA): (link unavailable) or (601) 933-6362

Louisiana:
• Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP): (link unavailable) or (225) 925-7500

Please note that these resources are subject to change, and it’s always best to check for updates on the official websites.

Advisories:

• Hurricane Watch: Issued for the Gulf Coast from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Pensacola, Florida
• Tropical Storm Warning: Issued for the Gulf Coast from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Mobile, Alabama
• Flash Flood Watch: Issued for inland areas, with 4-6 inches of rain expected

Safety Precautions:

• Board up windows and doors
• Stock up on food, water, and medications
• Evacuate immediately if ordered to do so by local authorities
• Stay away from flooded areas and downed power lines

Shelters:

Here are some shelters and road closures for Florida and Carolina due to Tropical Storm Debby:

• Alachua County has opened three shelters for evacuees, two in Gainesville and one in Newberry.


Road Closures:

• Flooding has closed several roads in St. Petersburg, including those with standing water.
• The northbound side of the Edison Bridge in Fort Myers was closed due to flooding, and the southbound side was reduced to one lane of traffic.
• Roads were underwater in Sanibel Island and Captiva, and storm surge was affecting nearby Cayo Costa island.
• West Gulf Drive between Tarpon Bay Road and Rabbit Road in Sanibel was heavily flooded and closed to vehicles.

Other:

• Tallahassee International Airport closed at midnight and will reopen at noon today, pending safety.
• Multiple roads in Bradenton, Florida, were already flooded and shut down on Sunday afternoon.

Stay tuned to local news and weather reports for updates on Tropical Storm Debby. Remember, your safety is the top priority. Take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones.