Florida storms live: Tropical Storm Debby forms in Gulf of Mexico, threatens flooding and tornadoes for Florida

Florida’s Gulf Coast is expected to see up to 18 inches of rainfall through Monday and a storm surge of up to 7 feet. National Weather Service prediction.

Tropical Storm Debby is expected to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Monday and strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane.

“This rainfall will likely result in significant flash flooding, urban flooding, and major river flooding,” the NWS warned.

Multiple alerts and monitors issued Tropical Storm Debby is strengthening and moving closer to Florida, bringing severe storms across the state on Saturday.

A warning indicates residents need to take immediate protective measures, while a watch means residents should start preparing for extreme weather.

Hurricane Warning: Florida Gulf Coast from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River

Hurricane WatchThe Florida coast from the Ochlockonee River west to Indian Pass, and from the Suwannee River east to Yankeetown.

Tropical Storm Warning: The Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge, including the Dry Tortugas, and the west coast of the Florida peninsula from the Suwannee River south to East Cape Sable.

Tropical Cyclone WarningFlorida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge north to Channel 5 Bridge, Florida Coast from Indian Pass west to Mexico Beach.

Storm surge warning: From Aripeca, Florida, north of Indian Pass

High tide warning: From Bonita Beach north to Aripeca, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor

The National Weather Service has issued multiple watches and warnings across Florida as Tropical Storm Debby approaches.

Warnings such as hurricane warnings and storm surge warnings mean residents need to take immediate protective measures.

“A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property,” the NWS said. write.

A watch, on the other hand, means that residents should prepare for extreme weather. Watches are sometimes issued when meteorologists don’t know the exact timing or severity of the extreme weather.

“People should have a plan of action in case a storm threatens and should monitor subsequent information and possible warnings, especially when planning travel or outdoor activities,” the NWS wrote.

Dr. Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, said a dangerous storm surge is expected as Tropical Storm Debby approaches Florida.

The storm will likely make landfall on Monday as a Category 1 hurricane.

“If you live in a storm surge evacuation zone in this part of Florida’s Big Bend coast, listen to whatever advice your local authorities give you,” Brennan warned. “If you are asked to evacuate, know where to go and how to get there. Remember, in many cases, you only need to drive a few dozen miles inland to escape the danger areas of a storm surge evacuation zone.”

The storm is expected to slow as it makes landfall, which could cause severe flooding.

“Not only will there be an increased risk of precipitation, but also increased potential for storm surge and strong winds,” Brennan said of the weakening storm.

City of Clearwater, Florida, officials worked to prepare Clearwater Beach as Tropical Storm Debby threatened the state’s Gulf Coast.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for most counties in the state as Tropical Storm Debby approaches.

The storm could strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane as it moves through Florida.

Tornadoes are possible in the Florida Keys and Southwest Saturday night as Tropical Storm Debby approaches Florida.

“There will be a risk of tornadoes and rainbands, particularly late today and into tonight, as the center of the system moves into the Gulf of Mexico,” said Dr. Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center. Said Saturday.

The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Florida in the next few days and strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane.

Multiple alerts and monitors issued Tropical Storm Debby is strengthening and moving closer to Florida, bringing severe storms across the state on Saturday.

A warning indicates residents need to take immediate protective measures, while a watch means residents should start preparing for extreme weather.

Hurricane Warning: Florida Gulf Coast from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River

Hurricane WatchThe Florida coast from the Ochlockonee River west to Indian Pass, and from the Suwannee River east to Yankeetown.

Tropical Storm Warning: The Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge, including the Dry Tortugas, and the west coast of the Florida peninsula from the Suwannee River south to East Cape Sable.

Tropical Cyclone WarningFlorida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge north to Channel 5 Bridge, Florida Coast from Indian Pass west to Mexico Beach.

Storm surge warning: From Aripeca, Florida, north of Indian Pass

High tide warning: From Bonita Beach north to Aripeca, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor

Tropical Storm Debby is expected to bring a “life-threatening” storm surge to Florida in the coming days. The storm won’t make landfall until Monday, but strong winds could produce tornadoes in Southwest Florida tonight.