PUNTA GORDA — The worst of Tropical Storm Debby has left the Punta Gorda area, allowing city officials to reopen most streets. High tide hit the City at about 9:40 a.m. today, and it didn’t cause the same heavy flooding that had resulted in numerous street closures throughout the last 72 hours. Most streets will remain open unless conditions deteriorate. City officials will be monitoring the streets, especially during high tides and heavy rainfalls. The only remaining streets that have been closed are the following:

Chasteen Street between West Retta Esplanade and Marion Avenue. Dolly Street between West Retta Esplanade and Marion Avenue. Berry Street between West Retta Esplanade and Olympia Avenue. Motorists are encouraged to avoid driving through the flooded streets. Deep water can carry a vehicle off the roadway, in addition to causing serious vehicle damage. Motorists may not be able to accurately read the depth perceptions or see hazards below the water. Tropical Storm Debby will continue to cause periods of showers and thunderstorms periodically throughout the day. Some of those rain bands may produce gusty winds and additional downpours.