Debby strengthens; brings hurricane watch, tropical 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 120 miles west of Tampa and 125 miles southwest of Cedar Key on Sunday evening. It was moving to the west-northwest at 12 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 Monday, the NHC added.

On Sunday, morning bands of rain came before improving and not-so-breezy conditions in South Florida. Debby is predicted to bring a major flood threat to the Southeast U.S.

A hurricane warning has been issued for the Florida Gulf Coast from the Suwannee River to Indian Pass.

A hurricane watch has been issued for the Gulf Coast south of the Suwannee River to Yankeetown.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Gulf Coast south of the Suwannee River to Bonita Beach and west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, and Ponte Vedra Beach to the Savannah River.

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 northward to Indian Pass, 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."