Tropical Storm Debby Drenches Florida
Tropical Storm Debby has uprooted trees and damaged homes
Tropical Storm Debby has drenched the US state of Florida, bringing flooding to parts and leading the governor to declare a statewide emergency.
The knot of low pressure has lingered over the Gulf of Mexico since Sunday evening, bringing a constant barrage of wind and rain.
State officials say at least 35,000 homes and businesses have had power knocked out by the extreme weather.
One woman died on Sunday after the storm whipped up tornadoes.
Crews in Alabama are meanwhile continuing their search for a South Carolina man missing off the coast.
The man, who was on holiday with his family, disappeared on Sunday afternoon in rough surf off Orange Beach.
Residents in low-lying neighbourhoods near the Florida coast have been advised to leave their homes, while the bridge to St George Island - a popular vacation spot - has been closed off.
Forecasters said the storm's maximum sustained winds weakened slightly to 45 mph (75 km/h), from 50mph, but say its strength is not likely to change over coming days.
Still, the US National Hurricane Center expects the storm to dump an additional 6-12in (15-30cm) over the area in the next few days.
Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a statewide emergency on Monday. The move allows the state to suspend certain laws as it responds to the storm, and access federal funds.
"Because of the broad impact of Tropical Storm Debby, virtually every county in Florida could be affected," Mr Scott said in a statement.
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25 June 2012 Last updated at 18:04 ET
In Pictures: Storm Debby Batters Florida
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Tropical Storm Debby has battered the US state of Florida with winds and rain, causing flooding and knocking out power in homes and businesses.
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Florida Governor Rick Scott declared a statewide emergency on Monday, and advised residents to be "very, very cautious".
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Forecasters say the greater risk is from flooding rather than high winds. Between 10 and 20 inches of rainfall is expected over northern and central Florida in the coming days.
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One death has been reported in Florida, while the authorities in Alabama are searching for a man who disappeared in surf churned by the storm.
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At least 30,000 houses and businesses have lost power across the state. Debby is expected to remain a tropical storm until it makes landfall early on Thursday near Florida's Apalachee Bay.
Click on the thumbnails of the pics to enlarge them. 
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