Georgia readies emergency response for second hit from Tropical Storm Debby

August 6th, 2024

An American flag is nearly shredded from the winds from Tropical Storm Debby, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Tybee Island, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

A 19-year-old in Moultrie, Georgia, and four other people in Florida have died as Tropical Storm Debby continues to move across the Southeast with heavy winds and rain.

Georgia could see an additional 8 inches of rain as the storm is expected to hit the state a second time. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp urged citizens to stay off the roads to allow emergency responders to clear debris and restore power. Hundreds of soldiers and airmen are also on standby.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” WABE environment reporter Emily Jones reported on the latest from Savannah. Show host Rose Scott then talked with Maria Center, the executive director of the American Red Cross of Southeast Georgia.

The Red Cross has opened a total of 26 emergency shelters across Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas, according to Center. Eight of the emergency shelters are in Georgia, three of which are in Savannah. Center highlighted about the need for volunteers and asked for donations in response to an emergency blood shortage.