Debby strengthens; brings hurricane watch, storm warnings to Florida

MIAMI - A hurricane watch and tropical storm warnings have been issued for parts of Florida as Tropical Storm Debby makes its way toward the state.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm was about 1250miles west-southwest of Tampa and 145 miles south-southwest of Cedar Key on Sunday afternoon. It was moving to the west-northwest at 13 mph with sustained winds of 65 mph.

Debby is expected to strengthen rapidly into a hurricane before making landfall in Florida's Big Bend region.

On Sunday, morning bands of rain could come before improving and not-so-breezy conditions in South Florida.

A hurricane warning has been issued for the Florida Gulf Coast between the Suwannee and Ochlockonee Rivers.

A hurricane watch has been issued for the Gulf Coast west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass and south of the Suwannee River to Yankeetown.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Dry Tortugas, the Gulf Coast south of the Suwannee River to East Cape Sable and west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass.

A tropical storm watch was issued for the Gulf Coast west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach.

A storm surge warning was issued for the Gulf Coast from the middle of Longboat Key to Aripeka, including Tampa Bay.

A storm surge watch is also in effect for the Gulf Coast from Bonita Beach northward to the middle of Longboat Key, including Charlotte Harbor.

"This is a life-threatening situation," the NHC shared in its 10 a.m. update. "Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials."