Florida braces for Tropical Storm Debby, likely to hit Sunday

Hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued for parts of Florida as a storm system bringing rain, coastal flooding and high winds moves toward the Sunshine State's western coast.

Forecasters have predicted that the tropical depression, currently above Cuba, will build intensity by late Saturday, turning into a tropical storm named Debby. It would also mark the fourth named storm of the current hurricane season.

“Tropical Depression Four is expected to intensify into Tropical Storm Debby and could be near hurricane strength before landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region Sunday night or early Monday,” Weather.com said.

Areas in southern Florida, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas have already reported experiencing gusty winds and thunderstorms, according to The Associated Press.

The National Weather Service warned in its notice that the storm will bring hazardous rainfall, strong winds and a “life threatening storm surge” to parts of Florida, particularly the Gulf Coast and Tampa Bay area.

Forecasters also predict the storm will remain a tropical storm threatening Georgia and the Carolinas into next week. The Dry Tortugas and Florida's west coast are currently under a tropical storm watch, parts of the Big Bend area and Indian Pass in the panhandle are under a hurricane watch, the AP reported.

For some residents, the name Debby could bring up bad memories of a 2012 storm with the same name. That storm caused over $250 million in damage and eight deaths, including seven in Florida alone, per the news wire.

Earlier this week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said his administration was monitoring the storm system.

"Florida is monitoring Invest 97L in the Atlantic, which is expected to strengthen and potentially make landfall as early as this weekend," he wrote on social media platform X. "It will be slow-moving and bring lots of rain that could cause significant flooding."

"I encourage all residents to prepare for the storm and follow all guidance issued by @FLSERT and local emergency management officials," he added.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.