A tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico intensified into Tropical Storm Debby on Saturday as it headed for Florida. The National Hurricane Center reported Debby now has sustained winds of 40 mph, positioned about 100 miles west-southwest of Key West, while moving northwest at 15 mph. The storm has already brought wind and thunderstorms to southern Florida, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas.
Debby is expected to deliver heavy rain and coastal flooding to Florida’s Gulf Coast by Sunday night, possibly making landfall as a strong tropical storm or hurricane on Monday before moving into the Atlantic Ocean. The storm may also bring heavy rains to Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina early next week. This marks the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, following Alberto, Beryl, and Chris.
Predictions indicate Debby will strengthen due to warm waters near 92°F (33°C) off Florida’s southwest coast and may come ashore in the Big Bend region. Warnings and watches are in effect along Florida’s West Coast and parts of the Panhandle, anticipating up to 10 inches of rain and potential flash flooding. Coastal areas might see storm surges of 2 to 5 feet.
Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 61 counties, and the National Guard mobilized 3,000 members. Preparations include distributing sandbags and securing property, with some areas under mandatory evacuation orders due to flood risks.
In addition, Hurricane Carlotta in the Pacific is weakening and expected to dissipate soon, while newly formed Tropical Storm Daniel poses no threat to land as it traverses the Pacific.
This heightened activity prompts vigilance and preparation across affected regions, emphasizing the seriousness of these natural phenomena.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/03/tropical-storm-debby-moving-through-gulf-toward-florida.html
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