Hurricane Debby Hits Florida, Disrupts Southeast Supply Chains

The storm has disrupted supply chains, closed major ports, and resulted in power outages, with more impacts expected in Georgia and South Carolina.

Hurricane Debby made landfall as a Category 1 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region on Monday, causing significant flooding and widespread disruption. The storm, which was later downgraded to a tropical storm, has been described by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) as potentially catastrophic due to its slow movement and expected record-breaking rainfall. Experts predict up to 30 inches of rain in some areas, including Georgia and South Carolina, posing severe flooding risks.

The impact on supply chains is substantial, with nearly 17,000 sites across various industries, including aerospace, life sciences, manufacturing, oil & gas, and high-tech, at risk. According to Resilinc, a leading global supply chain monitoring solution, over 74,000 parts and 17,500 products could be affected. Ports in Florida and Georgia, including Port Tampa Bay and the Port of Fernandina, have closed operations, further complicating logistics.

The storm’s effects extend beyond physical damage. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, mobilizing 3,000 National Guard troops and deploying over 17,000 linemen to restore power to the 275,000 customers left in the dark. The governors of Georgia and South Carolina also declared emergencies, urging residents to prepare for severe weather.

Tragically, two fatalities have been reported: a truck driver in Tampa and a 13-year-old boy in Fanning Springs. President Joe Biden has approved an emergency disaster declaration for Florida, ensuring federal support for the affected areas.

As Debby continues its path toward the East Coast, the Southeast braces for more severe weather. The storm’s slow progression and heavy rainfall threaten to exacerbate flooding and disrupt daily life and business operations across the region.