The mayor of coastal Savannah, Georgia, has expressed deep concern as the city prepares for the impending impact of Tropical Storm Debby. Mayor Van Johnson described the situation as potentially catastrophic, with the storm expected to bring extensive rainfall and flooding to the area.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the unprecedented nature of the storm, stating that the city typically plans for once-in-a-century events, not once-in-a-millennium occurrences like the one they are facing now. He warned that severe flooding is the primary concern, with certain parts of the city likely to be submerged in the coming days.
Despite implementing a curfew from 10 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday, Mayor Johnson expressed fears that some residents may not take the storm seriously and attempt to venture outside, putting themselves and emergency responders at risk. He stressed the importance of staying indoors and remaining vigilant until the storm passes.
Reflecting on his decades of experience dealing with storms in the region, Mayor Johnson admitted that the forecast for Tropical Storm Debby was unlike anything he had encountered before. He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, 'I’ve been doing storms around here for 30 years and I’ve not experienced anything forecasted like this is. We’ve been in the eye of a storm and we have not experienced this.'
As the city braces for the impact of Tropical Storm Debby, Mayor Johnson expressed his hope for the storm to pass swiftly and urged residents to prioritize their safety. 'I want Debby to come and go and I won’t be sleeping until she’s gone,' he remarked, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
