A tropical depression has formed near Cuba and is expected to become Tropical Storm Debby as it tracks northward into the Gulf of Mexico. While the National Hurricane Center has not officially forecasted it to become a hurricane, there is a possibility it could strengthen over the warm waters of the Gulf. Hurricane watches have been issued for Florida’s Big Bend region and tropical storm warnings and watches are in place along the western coast of Florida’s peninsula. There is also a storm surge watch in effect, with 3 to 5 feet of surge possible in some areas along the coast. The forecast for rain has increased, with 5 to 10 inches expected in parts of Florida and the southeast U.S.
The depression, formerly Potential Tropical Cyclone Four, has winds of 30 mph and needs to reach 39 mph to become Tropical Storm Debby. It is expected to cross over western Cuba before heading northward into the eastern Gulf and potentially making landfall in Florida late Sunday or Monday. The storm is then forecasted to track northward along the Southeast U.S. coast through next week. Alabama’s coastal areas are not currently under any watches or warnings, but forecasters urge residents to keep an eye on the track in case it changes. Rip current threats are expected to increase along the Alabama and northwest Florida coasts starting on Sunday.
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