Tropical Storm Debby Expected To Intensify As A Hurricane Before Making Florida Landfall

By Alric Lindsay

The National Hurricane Center and the Weather Channel reported today, August 4, 2024, that Tropical Storm Debby is anticipated to undergo rapid strengthening and could potentially develop into a hurricane before reaching land in Florida.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Debby currently has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and is located approximately 155 miles (255 km) southwest of Tampa, Florida, moving in a north-northwest direction at 13 mph.

The storm is expected to veer north later today, followed by a slower movement towards the northeast on Monday and Tuesday.

On its projected path, the centre of the storm will traverse the eastern Gulf of Mexico through tonight and is forecasted to reach the Florida Big Bend coast on Monday morning.

Debby is then expected to move at a slow pace across northern Florida and southern Georgia on Monday and Tuesday.

Regarding impacts, high rainfall, storm surges and swells are forecasted for Debby. 

As a result of the foregoing, the following watches and warnings are in effect:

• A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the Florida coast from Aripeka northward to Indian Pass 
• A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for… 
  • Florida coast from Bonita Beach northward to Aripeka, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor 
  • Georgia and South Carolina coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s River to South Santee River, South Carolina 
• A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Florida coast from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River 
• A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Florida coast west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass and the Florida coast south of the Suwannee River to Yankeetown 
• A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
  • Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge, including the Dry Tortugas 
  • Florida coast south of the Suwannee River to East Cape Sable 
  • Florida coast west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass 
•  A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for:
  • Florida Keys north of the Seven Mile Bridge to the Channel 5 Bridge 
  • Florida coast west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach 
  • Georgia and South Carolina coast from the Mouth of the St. Mary’s  
  • River to South Santee River, South Carolina

Stakeholders in the above areas are encouraged to monitor Tropical Storm Debby as the forecasts may change at any time. They should also take steps to prepare for the storm, including ensuring that storm preparedness kits and plans are in place.

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