Debby's slow march through Gulf drenches Florida

[June 25, 2012]  MIAMI (AP) -- Tropical Storm Debby is spinning drenching rains over northern Florida as it hangs nearly stationary over the Gulf of Mexico, making its biggest threat Monday flooding rather than winds.

A tropical storm warning is in effect along the Florida Panhandle as the storm parks offshore. Yet even with the storm's center far from land, it's lashing Florida with heavy rains and spawned isolated tornadoes that killed at least one person. And in Alabama, crews plan to continue searching for a South Carolina man who disappeared in rough surf.

The storm has prompted the closing of a bridge to Florida's St. George Island, a popular vacation spot.

Authorities in the Tampa Bay area are asking people to stay away from flooded streets. Some streets were under water Monday, while others were blocked with debris.

[Associated Press; By SUZETTE LABOY]

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