Tropical Depression Four has intensified into Tropical Storm Debby in the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, with sustained winds of 40 mph. The storm is currently located about 70 miles northwest of Havana, Cuba, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Forecasters predict that Debby will further strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds just before making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Monday morning. Hurricane warnings have been issued for the Florida Gulf Coast from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River, including the entire Big Bend Region.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to take necessary precautions to protect life and property from potential storm surges and other hazardous conditions. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, leading to flash flooding across portions of Florida and the coastal areas of the Southeast through Thursday morning.
Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are near record highs, providing fuel for Debby to potentially intensify rapidly. The storm's track has shifted westward, increasing the likelihood of it spending more time over warm waters, which could contribute to its strengthening.
Following landfall, Debby is forecast to move northeast over northern Florida and southern Georgia. However, atmospheric conditions may cause the storm to slow significantly over the Southeast, increasing the risk of prolonged heavy rainfall and flooding in coastal areas of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Research indicates that freshwater flooding from tropical systems has become a significant threat, exacerbated by climate change and warming oceans. Climate change has been linked to increased rainfall rates in tropical storms and hurricanes, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.
