As Tropical Storm Debby edges closer to Florida's coastline, it is predicted to intensify into a hurricane by Sunday.
Fox Weather reported that tropical storm Debby is anticipated to strike Florida's Big Bend as a hurricane by Monday, bringing historic rainfall and extensive storm surges.
Emergency protocols and evacuation orders have been enacted with the strengthening storm heading toward Florida’s Big Bend. All of Florida is under a state of emergency due to the approaching storm, which has already affected parts of Southwest Florida, including the Florida Keys.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns of "potentially historic rainfall" across southeast Georgia and South Carolina, causing concern for severe flood risks that could persist until Friday.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Debby’s slow trajectory could cause prolonged and significant precipitation.
I think what’s going to make this much different than what we had with Idalia is it is going to move very slowly once it enters Florida – it’s going to be southern Georgia, northern Florida – and it is just going to drop an inordinate amount of water on the north central Florida region.
Authorities have placed hurricane and storm surge warnings from Southwest Florida through the Big Bend area. Evacuation notices have been mandated in several affected counties, including Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Jefferson, and Dixie.
Tropical Storm Warnings are active from south of Cedar Key through to the Everglades and along the west coast up to Mexico Beach, with a Tropical Storm Watch in effect for coastal Georgia and South Carolina. The potential for tornado activity has also prompted Tornado Warnings and Watches across the state.
The expected rainfall from Debby is forecasted to be between 5 and 10 inches for much of Florida, potentially reaching up to 15 inches in isolated areas. Storm surge warnings predict surges of 6-10 feet in the Big Bend area and 2-4 feet in regions like Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.
Director of the NHC, Michael Brennan, emphasized the dual threat of water from Debby. He explained the storm's impacts:
The biggest hazards are usually the water, and we're expecting widespread heavy rainfall – 5-10 inches across much of Florida up into the coastal southeast U.S. (with) isolated totals up to 15 inches. So certainly a substantial risk for freshwater flooding and also the potential for storm surge.
The storm’s path is slated to hit Florida’s Big Bend on Monday, with potential deviations if it clings to the coast or strengthens further in the Gulf. Meteorologists hold high confidence in Debby’s forecasted northeastward direction toward the Big Bend area,
The storm has already heightened preparations over the weekend and will continue to be a significant focus of emergency responses into next week as it progresses over Florida and impacts neighboring regions.
Tropical Storm Debby poses a severe threat as it nears hurricane strength on its approach to Florida. The state braces for historic rainfall, significant storm surges, and widespread emergency evacuations. As communities prepare for landfall by Monday, authorities remain vigilant, monitoring the storm’s slow movement and extensive impact potential across Florida and southern Georgia.
