Tropical storm Debby

A tropical depression near Cuba is strengthening and is expected to become Tropical Storm Debby, potentially impacting Florida's Gulf Coast with heavy rains and coastal flooding. The storm's maximum sustained winds are forecast to reach 39 mph as it approaches land late Sunday or early Monday, with tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches already issued for various Florida regions, particularly the Big Bend. Rainfall amounts could be significant, with predictions of 3 to 12 inches across the affected areas, leading to flash flooding concerns. After landfall, Debby may slow down significantly and could re-emerge over the Atlantic, posing further risks of flooding and strong winds in the Carolinas. The National Hurricane Center warns that storm surges of 2 to 5 feet are likely, heightening the risk of coastal damage. Emergency management officials are urging residents to prepare for potentially severe weather conditions as the storm develops.