Tropical Storm Debby has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is on a path to hit Florida, threatening to bring severe weather conditions to the region. As the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Debby follows Tropical Storms Alberto and Chris and the deadly Hurricane Beryl.
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Tropical Storm Debby formed north of Cuba in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024. As of Saturday night, Debby is located about 50 miles west-southwest of Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida and about 260 miles south-southwest of Tampa.
The Storm Debby is moving northwest at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. Forecasters expect it to strengthen into a hurricane by late Sunday.
Storm Debby is expected to bring heavy rainfall with forecasts of up to 18 inches in some areas and maximum sustained winds reaching 45 mph with stronger gusts.
Parts of Florida could face storm surges of 4 to 7 feet, which can cause coastal flooding. Approximately 10 million people are under Tropical Storm Warnings.
A hurricane warning is in effect for sections of the Florida coast including the Florida Keys. The storm is likely to become a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches the Florida Big Bend region.
Storm Debby is on a collision course with Florida’s Big Bend region and is expected to make landfall early Monday morning.
After landfall, it will likely move across northern Florida into the Atlantic Ocean. Much of Florida’s Gulf Coast is expected to experience coastal flooding and drenching rain by Sunday night.
The Storm Debby’s impact may extend to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina with heavy rain expected in these areas next week.
Floridians should be prepared for the possibility of tornadoes, especially at night, which are often associated with tropical storms.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 61 out of the state’s 67 counties.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has also made an emergency proclamation. The National Guard has activated 3,000 members to assist with preparations and potential evacuations.
The White House has stated that federal and Florida officials are coordinating efforts with FEMA pre-positioning resources like water and food.
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for coastal areas in Citrus and Levy counties. Voluntary evacuations are recommended in Hernando, Manatee, Pasco and Taylor counties.
The Florida Department of Health has opened shelters for people with medical needs or disabilities.
Additional shelters are available in various counties for those evacuating. Residents are encouraged to secure their properties with sandbags, check generators and ensure stormwater drains are cleared.
It is too late to obtain flood insurance for this storm, so focus on taking physical precautions to protect your property.
Pay close attention to local authorities’ warnings and be prepared to evacuate if ordered. Stock up on essential supplies such as drinking water, non-perishable food and medications.
Move electric vehicles, scooters or golf carts with lithium-ion batteries to higher ground to prevent damage from floodwaters.
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Have a shelter or safe place ready, especially with the threat of nighttime tornadoes. Seek shelter in the lowest part of your home, ideally an interior room away from windows and doors.
The waters in the eastern Gulf of Mexico are in the mid to upper 80s Fahrenheit, well above the minimum threshold required for tropical development.
Storm Debby warning is in effect for the Big Bend area of Florida’s Gulf Coast, specifically between the Suwannee River and the Ochlockonee River.
Much of Florida’s Gulf Coast including areas like Tampa, Sarasota and Naples is under a tropical storm warning.
In Florida state of emergency was declared on Thursday evening, providing the state with additional resources to prepare for the storm. Following Florida, Georgia also declared a state of emergency on Saturday.
Parts of three Gulf Coast counties in Florida, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus have issued mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders.
Residents in low-lying areas along the Florida coastline have been advised to evacuate to safer locations.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has mobilized 3,000 National Guardsmen to assist with emergency preparations and recovery efforts.
Numerous cities and counties in Florida have been placed under emergency orders in anticipation of the storm’s landfall.
Heavy rainfall is expected across Florida with predictions of 10 inches or more in some areas reaching 15 inches if the storm stalls.
The combination of heavy rainfall and storm surge could lead to flooding in urban and low-lying areas.
Storm Debby surge of 6 to 10 feet is forecast for the Big Bend area, where water can become trapped and rise rapidly.
Storm Debby surges are expected to cause beach erosion and damage coastal structures.
As Storm Debby strengthens, wind speeds could exceed 70 mph causing damage to buildings, trees and power lines.
Strong winds will affect not just coastal areas but also inland regions as the storm moves across Florida and into Georgia and the Carolinas.
Another Pacific storm, Daniel is far from Baja California and is also predicted to weaken without land impact.
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