Tropical Storm Debby live updates

Hurricane Debby emerged in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday night. The storm, which initially took shape over the warm waters of the Gulf, is currently advancing towards the Big Bend region of North Florida. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has released advisories indicating that significant flooding is anticipated upon Debby’s landfall.

tropical storm debby

State of Emergency Declared by Florida Governor DeSantis

In preparation for Hurricane Debby, mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for several counties including Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Levy, Taylor, and Wakulla.

In response to the looming storm, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Thursday for 54 counties, preparing for what could be the first significant threat to the state. Following updates on Friday night, an additional seven counties were included, bringing the total to 61 out of Florida’s 67 counties now under a state of emergency.

tropical storm debby

Atlantic Hurricane Season

Duration

The Atlantic hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30 each year. This period marks the time when conditions are most favorable for the formation and intensification of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.

Peak of the Season

The peak of the Atlantic hurricane season occurs around September 10. Historically, the most intense hurricane activity tends to happen between mid-August and mid-October. This period is crucial for monitoring and preparing for potential storm threats.

tropical storm debby

LIVE UPDATES

➤ Spaghetti Models for Hurricane Debby

The NHC has highlighted the possibility of life-threatening storm surges along portions of Florida's Gulf Coast. As Debby is a Category 1 hurricane, further strengthening is anticipated. Governor Ron DeSantis has warned that wind gusts could reach 85-90 mph, with North Florida potentially experiencing catastrophic rainfall amounts between 15 to 20 inches.

➤ Where is Hurricane Debby?

Location: 65 miles west-southwest of Cedar Key, and 100 miles west-northwest of Tampa
Maximum Sustained Winds: 75 mph
Movement: North-northwest at 12 mph
Next Advisory: Scheduled for 5 a.m. on August 5

tropical storm debby

➤ Hurricane Debby Expected to Strengthen

Hurricane Debby is currently categorized as a Category 1 hurricane. However, additional strengthening is anticipated due to the warm Gulf waters. Winds could intensify to between 85-90 mph, with the possibility of "catastrophic rain" amounts reaching 15-20 inches in North Florida, as stated by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Forecast Track

Current Location: The hurricane’s center is near latitude 28.6 North and longitude 84.0 West.
Future Movement: Debby is expected to continue moving northward at approximately 12 mph. A gradual reduction in forward speed is predicted, with a turn towards the northeast and east likely on Monday and Tuesday.
Landfall: The forecast suggests that the hurricane will traverse the northeastern Gulf of Mexico tonight and reach the Florida Big Bend coast by Monday morning.

Impact on Florida and Beyond

Immediate Effects: Following landfall, Debby is expected to slowly progress across northern Florida and southern Georgia on Monday and Tuesday. By Tuesday night, the hurricane should be near the Georgia coast.
Wind and Pressure: Maximum sustained winds are currently around 75 mph, with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 45 miles from the center, and tropical-storm-force winds reach out to 140 miles. The estimated minimum central pressure is 985 mb.

tropical storm debby

➤ Hurricane, and storm surge warnings issued for Florida

- Hurricane Warning

Affected Area:

Yankeetown to Indian Pass

Definition: A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area. This type of warning is typically announced 36 hours before the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds, which can make outdoor preparations challenging or hazardous. Residents in the affected area should complete all preparations to protect life and property as soon as possible.

- Hurricane Watch

Affected Areas:

Florida coast south of Yankeetown to Boca Grande
Florida coast from west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina

Definition: A Hurricane Watch signifies that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. This alert is generally issued 48 hours before the expected arrival of tropical-storm-force winds, indicating that residents should be prepared for the possibility of severe weather and begin taking precautionary measures.

- Tropical Storm Warning

Affected Areas:

Florida coast south of Yankeetown to Boca Grande
Florida coast from west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach to South Santee River, South Carolina

Definition: A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 36 hours. This alert requires residents to prepare for conditions that may disrupt daily activities and pose safety risks.

- Storm Surge Warning

Affected Areas:

Florida coast from the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay
Georgia and South Carolina coast from the mouth of the St. Mary’s River to the South Santee River, South Carolina

Definition: A Storm Surge Warning indicates the imminent threat of life-threatening inundation caused by rising water moving inland from the coastline. This warning is issued when such conditions are expected within the next 36 hours. It is crucial for residents in these areas to take immediate action to protect themselves and their property from the dangerous effects of storm surge.

- Storm Surge Watch

Affected Area:

Florida coast from Englewood northward to the middle of Longboat Key, including Charlotte Harbor

Definition: A Storm Surge Watch means there is a potential for life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline during the next 48 hours. Residents in these areas should be prepared for the possibility of storm surge and follow any guidance issued by local authorities to safeguard their safety and property.

➤ Potential impacts from Hurricane Debby

- Wind Conditions

Forecast and Timing

Hurricane Debby is set to bring hurricane-force winds to the affected areas starting early Monday. Tropical storm conditions will commence overnight in these regions and will extend northward along the Florida Gulf Coast. By late Monday, these conditions will begin to affect parts of the Atlantic Coast and South Carolina.

Detailed Wind Impact Areas:

Florida Gulf Coast: Tropical storm conditions will persist through tonight, affecting various regions along the Gulf Coast.
Atlantic Coast: Conditions will start to intensify by late Monday.
South Carolina: Tropical storm conditions are expected to develop late Monday night.

- Storm Surge

Overview

The combination of Hurricane Debby’s storm surge and normal tide levels will lead to significant flooding in coastal areas. The extent of flooding will vary depending on the surge’s timing relative to high tide.

Expected Surge Heights:

Yankeetown, FL to Ochlockonee River, FL: 6-10 feet
Chassahowitzka, FL to Yankeetown, FL: 4-6 feet
Ochlockonee River, FL to Indian Pass, FL: 4-6 feet
Middle of Longboat Key, FL to Chassahowitzka, FL: 3-5 feet
Tampa Bay: 3-5 feet
Mouth of the St. Mary's River to South Santee River, SC: 2-4 feet
Middle of Longboat Key, FL to Englewood, FL: 2-4 feet

These surges will flood areas that are normally dry, and the water levels might be even higher if peak surge coincides with high tide.

- Rainfall

Forecast Amounts

Hurricane Debby is expected to bring significant rainfall to the region. Rainfall totals could range between 6 and 12 inches in central and northern Florida, as well as southeastern North Carolina. Localized maximum amounts could reach up to 18 inches.

Specific Areas Affected:

Central and Northern Florida & Southeastern North Carolina: 6-12 inches, with up to 18 inches in some areas.
Southeast Georgia and South Carolina: 10-20 inches, with possible local totals reaching 30 inches.

Potential Impacts:

This substantial rainfall is likely to cause considerable flash and urban flooding, as well as significant river flooding. The extreme amounts of rain could lead to catastrophic flooding in some areas.

- Tornadoes

There is a risk of tornadoes associated with Hurricane Debby. Tonight and Monday, a few tornadoes are possible over central and northern Florida and southern Georgia. The risk will expand northeastward into coastal Georgia and parts of South Carolina on Monday.

- Surf Conditions

Expected Swells

The swells generated by Hurricane Debby will affect the Gulf Coast of Florida through Monday, with impacts continuing into the middle of the week on the Southeast U.S. coast. These swells are anticipated to create hazardous surf conditions and strong rip currents.

Safety Considerations

The surf and rip current conditions are expected to be life-threatening, and it is crucial for beachgoers to exercise extreme caution or avoid coastal areas altogether.

➤ Key messages on what Florida can expect from Hurricane Debby

Historic Rainfall: Southeast Georgia and South Carolina are likely to experience catastrophic flooding due to historic rainfall amounts through Friday morning.
Storm Surge Danger: Life-threatening storm surge is expected along Florida's Gulf Coast, particularly between Ochlockonee River and Yankeetown.
Hurricane Conditions: Hurricane conditions are anticipated in the Florida Big Bend region, with tropical storm conditions extending to the Tampa Bay area and beyond.
Extended Impacts: Dangerous storm surge and wind impacts are expected along the Southeast U.S. coast, with warnings in place from northeastern Florida to North Carolina.

tropical storm debby

➤ Mandatory evacuations ordered for Florida counties

In light of the approaching storm, several counties in Florida have issued mandatory evacuation orders to ensure the safety of residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the evacuation orders currently in effect across the state.

1. Mandatory Evacuation Orders

Alachua County

Evacuation Order: Mandatory
Evacuation Information: Currently, there are no additional details provided.

Citrus County

Evacuation Order: Mandatory
Evacuation Information: A voluntary evacuation is recommended for all low-lying areas. This includes residents living in campers, tents, mobile homes, manufactured homes, or any structures unable to withstand sustained winds of up to 60 mph. Mandatory evacuation is in effect for Zone A.

Dixie County

Evacuation Order: Mandatory
Evacuation Information: Evacuations will commence at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024. This order applies to all coastal communities, including Suwannee, Horseshoe Beach, Jena, and nearby areas, as well as substandard housing and low-lying areas within the county.

Franklin County

Evacuation Order: Mandatory
Evacuation Information: Effective from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024, a mandatory evacuation is ordered for all barrier islands, including St. George Island, Dog Island, and Alligator Point. This order also covers low-lying and flood-prone areas, particularly along the coast and rivers, as well as RV parks. Additional evacuations may be announced if there are changes to the storm's track or intensity.

Levy County

Evacuation Order: Mandatory
Evacuation Information: Immediate evacuation is required, with completion by 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024. This includes individuals residing in recreational vehicle parks, mobile homes, and manufactured homes, as well as residents in coastal communities and low-lying areas throughout the county.

Taylor County

Evacuation Order: Mandatory
Evacuation Information: The Taylor County Sheriff's Office has issued a voluntary evacuation order for all coastal and low-lying areas, strongly encouraging residents to evacuate. While the term "mandatory" cannot be legally enforced, residents are advised to take this warning seriously. A shelter is available at Taylor County Elementary School, located at 1600 East Green Street, opening at 4 p.m. today. Due to limited space, residents are advised to bring only essential items, and pets must be crated.

Wakulla County