Authorities have issued a hurricane watch for some sections of Florida with expectations of Tropical Storm Debby’s gradual intensification into a hurricane. Currently identified as Tropical Depression Four, the storm is projected to significantly slow down after making landfall, potentially causing extensive rain over several days in the Southeast region and increasing the chances of substantial flooding incidents.

Hurricane Watch in Parts of Florida

The hurricane watch alerts are issued for parts of Florida’s Big Bend area. The National Hurricane Center anticipates a landfall in the form of a strong tropical storm by Monday morning. This area, which is still recovering from the effects of the Category 3 Hurricane Idalia last August, has been put on alert. Warnings of potential tropical storm conditions over the next 48 hours have been released for the entire western coat of Florida extending south of the Big Bend and include Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples.

Current State of Tropical Depression Four

With a maximum of 30 mph sustained winds, Tropical Depression Four is currently thresholded around 170 miles southeast of Key West. The storm is said to approach the eastern region of the Gulf of Mexico by Saturday morning and could be officially named Tropical Storm Debby, according to the Hurricane Center. In parts of southwest Florida, a display of tropical storm conditions could commence as early as Saturday night, with regions of South Florida also being impacted by the incoming rains.

Threat of Flash Flooding

Heavy rainfall is expected in Southwest Florida with a possible downfall of 3 to 5 inches of rain. Even in the marshy areas of the state, which are relatively more capable of handling excess water, flash flooding could occur. The path forecast has now shifted to the west, allowing the system additional time to potentially strengthen over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It is noteworthy that a warmer ocean surface aids in storm intensification, and perhaps rapid intensification, a phenomenon that is becoming more probable as global temperatures continue to rise because of fossil-fuel pollution.

Potential Landfall and Flooding Risks

The storm is expected to continue strengthening over the next 48 hours and maintain its strength up to landfall while tracking the Gulf of Mexico, alongside the western coast of Florida. However, the exact location and timing of a potential landfall cannot be identified with clarity at this juncture. The degree of storm surge could change depending on where and when the storm hits the coast and its intensity at that time. Up to 5 feet of storm surge is possible in certain areas of the Big Bend and up to 4 feet is anticipated from Bonita Beach north through Tampa Bay. Torrential, flooding rain will be the most significant impact from the storm – especially with the system forecast to slow down after landfall.

Florida Gets Ready for the Deluge

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 54 out of the 67 counties in the state to mobilize resources as Tropical Storm Debby approaches. Residents in multiple communities are starting to prepare, with sandbag distribution taking place in Orlando, Tampa, and several counties in the state’s panhandle.