Tropical Storm Debby Approaches Florida

MIAMI — Tropical Storm Debby has intensified north of Cuba and is on track to become a hurricane as it approaches the Florida coast. The National Hurricane Center reported early Sunday that Debby was situated approximately 65 miles west-northwest of Dry Tortugas National Park and 230 miles south-southwest of Tampa. A hurricane warning is in effect for parts of Florida's coast, with tropical storm warnings issued for the Florida Keys. As Debby moves through the Gulf of Mexico, it is expected to bring heavy rainfall and coastal flooding to much of Florida's Gulf Coast by Sunday night. Forecasters predict the storm could make landfall as a hurricane on Monday, potentially crossing northern Florida and moving into the Atlantic Ocean. The storm may also affect the Atlantic coasts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina early next week. Debby marks the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, following Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl, and Tropical Storm Chris. In preparation for the storm, officials have issued mandatory evacuations in Citrus and Levy counties, while voluntary evacuations have been recommended in Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, and Taylor counties. In related weather news, Hurricane Carlotta is moving westward in the Pacific Ocean, with sustained winds of 85 mph. However, it is expected to dissipate without making landfall, remaining over 1,500 miles from the southern tip of Baja California.