MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Debby, which formed north of Cuba, is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves through the Gulf of Mexico towards the Florida coast.
The National Hurricane Center reported on Sunday morning that Debby was approximately 65 miles (105 kilometers) west-northwest of Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida and about 230 miles (370 kilometers) south-southwest of Tampa. The storm was moving northwest at 14 mph (22 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph).
Strong winds and thunderstorms have affected areas such as southern Florida, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings are in place for various parts of Florida.
Debby is expected to bring heavy rain and coastal flooding to Florida’s Gulf Coast by Sunday night, possibly making landfall as a hurricane on Monday and moving across northern Florida towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Forecasters are also predicting heavy rainfall and possible flooding in north Florida as well as parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina early next week.
Debby is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season following Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl, and Tropical Storm Chris. The National Hurricane Center anticipates that Debby will strengthen as it moves along the southwest coast of Florida where waters are warm.
Parts of the Big Bend and Florida Panhandle have been issued a hurricane warning, with tropical storm warnings extending to the West Coast of Florida, the southern Florida Keys, and Dry Tortugas. Forecasters are cautioning about potential storm surge, heavy rainfall, and flooding in these areas.
Tropical storms and hurricanes can lead to river flooding and drainage system overloading. Flooding could range from 6 to 12 inches of rain to up to 18 inches in isolated areas, causing flash floods and urban flooding. Moderate flooding along some rivers in Florida is also expected.
Heaviest rain could be in Georgia, South Carolina
Significant rainfall is expected along the Atlantic Coast next week from Jacksonville, Florida, through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Forecasters anticipate the storm to slow down after making landfall.
National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan mentioned the possibility of the storm stalling or meandering along the southeastern United States coast, increasing the risk of rainfall, storm surge, and strong winds.
Flat Florida is prone to flooding, and a storm surge of 2 to 4 feet is expected along most of the Gulf Coast, with up to 7 feet further north in the Big Bend region. Officials have issued evacuation orders in some coastal areas.
Preparations for potential flooding are underway, with state of emergency declarations in Florida and Georgia. The National Guard has been mobilized, and FEMA has pre-positioned resources. Sandbags have been distributed in Tampa to prevent flooding.
Residents in evacuation zones are being urged to follow directives to ensure their safety. Officials are working to secure boats, property, and infrastructure in preparation for the storm.
Despite the preparations, some residents are hesitant to evacuate, citing past experiences with hurricanes. Businesses and homeowners are taking precautions to protect their properties.
Public safety measures are in place, with evacuation orders, emergency services, and shelters being provided to those in need. Residents are advised to stay informed and follow updates from local authorities.
More storms in the Pacific, but no threat to land
Meanwhile, in the Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Carlotta is losing strength and is expected to dissipate, while Tropical Storm Daniel is forming without posing any threat to land.
