News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/4th August 2024
Tropical Storm Debby has emerged as a significant threat to Florida, intensifying rapidly since forming north of Cuba on Saturday. The storm, now moving through the Gulf of Mexico, is forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has warned that Debby’s trajectory could bring severe weather impacts to Florida in the coming days.
Currently, Debby boasts maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and is positioned approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) west-southwest of Key West, Florida. The storm is advancing northwest at a speed of 14 mph (22 kph). Its expansive reach has already begun to affect southern Florida, including the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, with wind and thunderstorms.
Forecasters predict that Debby will bring heavy rainfall and coastal flooding to much of Florida’s Gulf Coast by Sunday night, with landfall expected on Monday. After hitting Florida, the storm is anticipated to cross northern parts of the state and move into the Atlantic Ocean, where it could continue to influence weather patterns across the southeastern United States.
Debby is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, following Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl, and Tropical Storm Chris, which all formed earlier in June. As Debby approaches, the NHC has issued a hurricane warning for parts of the Big Bend and Florida Panhandle regions. Tropical storm warnings are in effect for the West Coast of Florida, southern Florida Keys, and the Dry Tortugas, with a tropical storm watch extending into the Panhandle.
The NHC forecasts rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches (150 to 300 mm) for the affected areas, with isolated spots potentially receiving up to 18 inches (450 mm). This heavy precipitation raises concerns about flash and urban flooding. Additionally, rivers along Florida’s West Coast are at risk of moderate flooding. Coastal regions, including Tampa Bay, could experience storm surges ranging from 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters), with the Big Bend area potentially seeing surges of up to 7 feet (2.1 meters).
In response to the looming threat, local officials have issued evacuation orders for vulnerable areas, especially in Citrus and Levy counties. Shelters are open across several counties to accommodate displaced residents. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency across 61 counties, and the National Guard has mobilized 3,000 members to support the response efforts. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has also issued an emergency proclamation in anticipation of Debby’s impact.
As part of the storm preparations, Tampa has distributed over 30,000 sandbags to help mitigate potential flooding. Coastal businesses and marinas, such as the Blue Pelican Marina in Hernando Beach, are securing equipment and tying down boats to protect against the storm’s impact.
Despite the warnings and preparations, some residents remain hesitant to evacuate, reflecting past experiences with storms. Authorities continue to stress the importance of following evacuation orders and staying prepared for adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, in the Pacific Ocean, Hurricane Carlotta and Tropical Storm Daniel are tracking their courses, though neither is expected to make landfall. Carlotta is gradually weakening, and Daniel is predicted to dissipate into a remnant of thunderstorms.
As Florida prepares for Debby, there are echoes of past storms with the same name, particularly the 2012 tropical storm that caused extensive damage. While officials hope for a less severe outcome this time, they remain vigilant and prepared for all possible scenarios.
