Hurricane Debby Smashes Sarasota and Manatee Counties with Record Rainfall

Hurricane Debby battereded Sarasota and Manatee counties with torrential rain and powerful winds over the weekend, resulting in widespread flooding and road closures.

Record-Breaking Rainfall:

• Some areas received up to 15 inches of rain in a 24-hour period.
• The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport recorded 11.06 inches of rainfall on Sunday, breaking the previous daily record from 1945.

Wind and Storm Surge:

• A gust of 64 mph was recorded at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
• The highest gust in the area, 70 mph, was recorded at the Sunshine Skyway, which was closed to motorists.
• 2 to 4 feet of storm surge was anticipated Monday afternoon.

Impact on Sarasota County:

• Local governments were forced to close offices and delay services.
• Sporadic power outages and flooded roads were reported.
• An evacuation center was opened at Sarasota Technical College.
• The cities of North Port, Sarasota, and Venice declared a local state of emergency.
• The Sarasota County Landfill and other waste centers were closed, and waste/recycling pickups were postponed.

Impact on Manatee County:

• Rainfall varied from 4 inches in east Manatee to over 14 inches in the southwest.
• 32 adults, 12 children, and 13 pets were rescued from flooded homes.
• The county landfill was closed, and trash collection was canceled for Monday.
• Shelters were opened at Miller Elementary School and Nolan Middle School.

River Flood Warning:
A flood warning is in effect for the Manatee River, and the Myakka River is expected to reach "action stage". Downstream flow of the Myakka River can lead to significant post-storm flooding.

URL(s) in story:

• scgov.net/beprepared

Sources:

• Staff Writer 1, Christian Casale.
• Staff Writer 2, Jesse Mendoza.