Florida declares storm emergency

Florida governor Rick Scott has declared a statewide emergency because of Tropical Storm Debby.

Debby has drenched the state and caused flooding in some neighbourhoods, and has also spawned tornadoes.

At least one person was killed in Florida by a tornado and officials are searching for a man who disappeared in rough surf off Alabama.

The statewide emergency in Florida means the state can waive or suspend certain state laws to respond to the storm. It also means that price-gouging laws take effect.