MIAMI, FL (National Presse) – All eyes are on the weather for the weekend as Tropical Storm Debby prepares to make landfall in Florida. While not officially named Debby currently, the storm is expected to become named within the next 48 to 72 hours through the National Hurricane Center.
Short and long-range models do suggest that the storm will swing up past Key West and Tampa, FL – before turning sharply to the right and lingering off the coast of Georgia and the Carolina’s. Significant rainfall is expected from Georgia to Virginia as this system could hover off the coast for several days.
The National Hurricane Center is expecting up to a foot of rain according to their latest graphics.
While stressing that models are not forecasts, several models have continuously suggested that we may see this storm intensify in the Atlantic after jumping over Florida. This could bring trouble to the Carolina’s, and northern states.
Official Word From NHC – 5PM UPDATE
Potential Tropical Cyclone Four Update
Time: 5 PM EDT, Aug 2, 2024
Location: Over central Cuba
Current Status: Not yet a tropical depression
Maximum Winds: 25 kt (30 mph)
Movement: West-northwest at 14 kt
Forecast Track:
- Saturday: Into the Straits of Florida and the southeastern Gulf of Mexico
- Saturday Night and Sunday: Near the west coast of Florida
- After Sunday: Cross northern Florida, move over the Atlantic near the southeastern US coast
Intensity Forecast:
- Likely to become a tropical depression soon after moving offshore on Saturday
- Expected to strengthen over the Gulf of Mexico
- Possible weakening over Florida, then re-intensification over the Atlantic
Key Messages:
- Rainfall: Heavy rain may cause flash and urban flooding in Florida and the Southeast through Wednesday.
- Wind: Tropical storm conditions expected Saturday night in southwest Florida, possible in the Florida Keys and along the Florida west coast.
- Storm Surge: Life-threatening inundation possible along the west coast of Florida, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.
- Additional Impacts: Strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surge possible along the US Southeast coast from Georgia to North Carolina.
Stay updated and follow local advisories for potential watches and warnings.
