The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued tropical storm warnings and watches for parts of Florida as a developing disturbance could potentially form into Tropical Storm Debby this weekend.
This system, currently designated as Potential Tropical Cyclone Four, is expected to bring soaking rainfall, gusty winds, and some coastal flooding to the region.
Potential Tropical Cyclone Four allows the NHC to issue advisories, including watches, warnings, and forecast paths for systems yet to develop but expected to impact land within 48 hours.
The latest NHC forecast predicts that this system will become Tropical Depression Four by Saturday morning and upgrade to Tropical Storm Debby before making landfall in Florida on Sunday or Sunday night. Following landfall, the system may track near the Southeast coast early next week and potentially intensify if it remains over water.
There is a possibility that this system might slow down or stall near the Southeast coast, which could extend its impact.
The NHC said Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is expected to produce rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches, with maximum rainfall totals up to 12 inches, across portions of Florida and near the Southeast U.S. coast this weekend through Wednesday morning. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area late Saturday and Saturday night, and the combination of storm surge and tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline.
Currently, a Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the southwest coast of the Florida peninsula from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach.
Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida Keys south of the Card Sound Bridge, including the Dry Tortugas, the southern coast of the Florida peninsula east of East Cape Sable to the Card Sound Bridge, and the west coast of the Florida peninsula north of Bonita Beach to Aripeka.
A Tropical Storm Warning indicates that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within 36 hours. A Tropical Storm Watch means that storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
Residents elsewhere in the Florida Peninsula should stay updated on the progress of this system, as additional warnings and watches may be issued tonight and Saturday.
