Florida declares state of emergency as tropical depression likely to form
A tropical disturbance near Cuba is targeting Florida and has the potential to escalate into a tropical depression or tropical storm this weekend.
It has an 80% likelihood of evolving into a tropical depression over the weekend and a 90% chance of turning into a tropical depression over the next seven days. If it intensifies into a named storm, it will be named Debby.
MORE: NOAA predicts very active hurricane season for 2024, issues highest-ever early season outlook
Irrespective of the potential storm’s strength, it’s predicted to bring 6 to 8 inches of rainfall to parts of Florida’s west coast, as well as the Georgia and South Carolina coast.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 54 counties.
A warning for a tropical storm is in place in Florida from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach.
The current projected path indicates that the system will transform into a tropical depression by Saturday morning as it crosses Cuba.
The outer bands are anticipated to reach South Florida on Saturday morning, bringing isolated thunderstorms, intense downpours, and strong winds.
The storm will strengthen as it nears the west coast of the Florida Peninsula and is expected to make landfall on Sunday or Sunday night. Flash floods are a concern on Sunday.
The Atlantic hurricane season gains momentum in August and usually peaks in September.
The National Ocean