South Florida Prepares for Flooding from Potential Tropical Storm Debby

South Florida officials are preparing for a system expected to develop into Tropical Storm Debby to dump heavy rain and cause flash flooding as early as tonight.

Lisa Spadafina heads the Miami-Dade Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) says, "The pumps are functional, storm drains are clear, and the canal system waters are lowered."

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis says Broward is ready as well and is offering free sandbags .

Currently the storm is moving over Cuba and is expected to impact the Keys and the west coast of Florida over the weekend.

Still Miami Dade and Broward officials are warning residents to prepare for 1-5 inches of rainfall by managing their property and hardening their homes.

Mayor Trantalis says it is difficult to predict where the flooding will occur, but this system may slow down or stall which could lead to flash flooding.

In any case, he says the city has contracted with pump providers and lowered the water level in canals in preparation for whatever Mother Nature brings.