Tropical Storm Debby forms; 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 system was about 100 miles west-southwest of Key West on Saturday evening. It was moving to the west-northwest at 15 mph with sustained winds of 40 mph.

The system is forecast to slow down and turn to the northwest late Saturday. It will then take a turn to the north on Sunday. On the forecast track, the disturbance is expected to move near or over the west coast of Florida Saturday night through Sunday night.

On Saturday, expect increasing bands of heavy and gusty showers, which could bring on-off rain heavy at times and possible flooding with wind gusts averaging over 25 to 35 mph. By Sunday, morning bands of rain could come before improving and not-so-breezy conditions.

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

A tropical storm warning has been issued for the Gulf Coast west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, and east of the Suwannee River to Yankeetown.

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 area west of the Aucilla River to Indian Pass.

A storm surge watch is also in effect for Bonita Beach northward to the Aripeka, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, along with the area west of the Aucilla River to Indian Pass.