A tropical disturbance near Cuba is targeting Florida and may strengthen into a tropical depression or tropical storm this weekend.
It has an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression over the weekend and a 90% chance of developing into a tropical depression over the next seven days. If this were to strengthen into a named storm, it would be called Debby.
Looking at the tropics.
ABC News
Regardless of how strong the potential storm will be, it is expected to bring up to 6 to 8 inches of rain to parts of Florida’s west coast as well as coastal Georgia and South Carolina.
Florida Govt Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 54 counties.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for Florida from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach.
The current forecast track calls for the system to become a tropical depression by Saturday morning as it moves over Cuba.
The outer bands will reach South Florida by Saturday morning, bringing scattered thunderstorms, heavy downpours and gusty winds.
The storm will continue to strengthen as it approaches the west coast of the Florida peninsula and is expected to make landfall on Sunday or Sunday evening. Flooding is a threat on Sunday.
By Monday morning, the storm will move into the Atlantic Ocean or near the southeast coast, potentially bringing rain and wind to coastlines in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. But this forecast is subject to change.
Heavy rain is likely to affect coastal areas of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina through Wednesday.
The Atlantic hurricane season ramps up throughout August and usually peaks in September.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-average hurricane season this year. NOAA scientists predict between 17 and 25 named storms, compared to an average of 14; between eight and 13 hurricanes, compared to an average of seven; and between four and seven major hurricanes, compared to an average of three.