Hurricane Debby, now downgraded to a tropical storm, has tragically claimed four lives as it slammed Florida’s Gulf Coast with fierce winds and torrential rain.

In Hillsborough County, one of the victims was a semi-truck driver who lost control on Interstate 75. The cab of his 18-wheeler ended up in the Tampa Bypass Canal. Authorities identified him as a 64-year-old man from New Albany, Mississippi.

Levy County experienced another heartbreaking incident when a tree fell onto a mobile home. Although initial reports mentioned a young girl, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office later clarified that it was a 13-year-old boy who had been crushed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with this family as they deal with this tragedy. We encourage everyone to use extreme caution as they begin to assess and clean up the damage. Downed power lines and falling trees are among the many hazards. One life is too many. Please be safe,” the sheriff’s office stated.

Additionally, two more deaths were reported in Dixie County due to a traffic accident, according to the governor, Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis stressed the importance of safety, noting that while the conditions were severe, the number of fatalities could have been higher if residents had not heeded warnings and stayed off the roads.

Georgia and South Carolina are next in line for the storm’s path. Officials have warned of severe flooding, particularly in coastal areas. Savannah’s local leaders have alerted residents about potential high water in areas that usually remain dry. In Charleston, South Carolina, preparations are underway with emergency plans that include providing sandbags and opening parking garages to protect vehicles from floodwaters. The city has been reminded of past catastrophic floods caused by tropical systems, emphasizing the need for caution and readiness.

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