Storm Debby, which initially struck Florida as a hurricane, caused widespread destruction as it moved up the east coast, leaving many without power and dealing with severe flooding.
The storm brought significant damage across Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, with power outages affecting large areas days after the storm’s passage. In Steuben County in New York, heavy rain triggered flash flooding, leading to road closures and evacuations. In Pennsylvania, numerous water rescues were necessary as flood waters rose rapidly.
Although Debby has left the US and moved into Canada, its remnants brought heavy rain to southern Quebec and the Maritimes before finally dissipating.
Meanwhile, a tropical disturbance in the Atlantic, designated as Invest 98L, is increasingly likely to develop into a named storm within days. This system has been showing significant signs of organisation, with the National Hurricane Center highlighting favourable environmental conditions, such as warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear, conducive to its strengthening.
As Invest 98L moves westward, it is expected to approach the Lesser Antilles by late Monday or Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds to the region. If it intensifies into a tropical storm, it will be named Ernesto, making it the fifth storm of this season.
The system’s projected path suggests a possible northward turn later in the week, which could affect areas from Puerto Rico to the southern Bahamas. While the exact trajectory remains uncertain, there is a possibility the system could reach hurricane strength as it continues to develop over the warm Atlantic waters.
On Sunday, wildfires near Athens, Greece, forced the evacuation of two communities as thick smoke covered parts of the city. The fires broke out in Varnavas, north-east of Attica, and Neo Mazi, near Megara town, with firefighters battling the blazes amid strong winds that complicated efforts. Although no injuries were reported, some homes in Neo Mazi were damaged.
Greek authorities remain on high alert due to extreme temperatures, which have heightened the risk of wildfires across the region. Dry conditions with above-normal temperatures are expected to continue at least until the beginning of September.
