Tropical Storm Debby intensifies, approaching near hurricane strength, with potential landfall in Florida's Big Bend region.
Tropical Storm Debby, originating from Tropical Depression Four, is expected to intensify over the weekend, potentially reaching near hurricane strength. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Florida's Big Bend region, with a Hurricane Warning and Tropical Storm Warnings for other areas along the coast. The storm is forecast to enter the Gulf of Mexico off the southwest coast of Florida, making landfall in the Big Bend region late Sunday night or early Monday morning. The main impacts will be flooding from rainfall with widespread totals of 2 to 5 inches in northern Florida and the possibility of localized areas seeing 5 to 15 inches. Storm surge and damaging winds are also potential hazards, with tropical storm-force winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph in central and northern Florida. The storm's track after passing through Florida remains uncertain, but it may impact coastal areas of Georgia and the Carolinas with additional rainfall.