SUMMARY: Tropical Depression 4 has intensified into Tropical Storm Debbie, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of the latest advisory, it is moving northwest at 15 mph with maximum winds of 40 mph and is expected to strengthen further over the Gulf of Mexico. Landfall as a Category 1 hurricane is anticipated along Florida’s Big Bend, affecting areas from Apalachicola to Cedar Key. Hurricane warnings and tropical storm watches have been issued for the region. Significant rainfall, flooding, and potential tornadoes are predicted in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, with storm surge risks along the west coast of Florida.

Meteorologist Grant Skinner gives an update on the tropical activity in the Atlantic Basin. The News 5 First Alert Storm Team is tracking Tropical Storm Debby. It has maximum winds of 40 mph and is currently moving to the northwest at 15 mph. It is expected to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico this weekend, likely reaching hurricane status before landfall likely along the Big Bend on Monday morning. After making landfall, the exact track remains uncertain as a lack of steering will allow for the system to linger along the northernmost part of the Florida Atlantic coast and the coast of Georgia and South Carolina. Due to the slow moving nature of this storm after landfall, flooding is a big concern. Areas around Jacksonville north through Savannah, GA and Charleston, SC could see major flooding with up to 10 inches of rain or greater possible in some spots. Moderate flooding is possible across much of Florida and parts of SE AL, GA, and SC. Surge could be greater than 3 ft in areas close to landfall with other areas greater than 1 ft. Tropical storm force winds are likely up the west coast of the FL peninsula, the eastern parts of the panhandle and northern portions of the peninsula, southern GA, and southern SC. A few tornadoes will be possible in these areas as well. For the News 5 area, drier air will move in behind this system lowering our rain chances a bit, and there will be an increased threat for rip currents.

You can get all the latest tropical updates during the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season at https://www.wkrg.com/.

WKRG 2024 Hurricane Special: https://tinyurl.com/mr3bpmfr
WKRG Hurricane Map Room: https://tinyurl.com/yxn82e4c

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