Tropical Storm Debby heads to Florida's Big Bend

(Tampa, FL) -- A tropical storm warning is in effect for portions of the Florida Keys as Tropical Storm Debby moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters say the system could be near hurricane strength when it reaches the Florida Gulf Coast late Sunday or Monday. Coastal areas are bracing for heavy rain, flash flooding, and a storm surge of anywhere from three to five feet.

At 500 PM EDT (2100 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located near latitude 23.9 North, longitude 83.2 West. Debby is moving toward the northwest near 15 mph (24 km/h). This motion will continue tonight, followed by a northward turn on Sunday and a slower northeastward motion on Sunday night and Monday. On the forecast track, the center of Debby will move across the southeastern and eastern Gulf of Mexico tonight and Sunday, reaching the Florida Gulf coast late Sunday night or Monday.

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

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CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

A Hurricane Warning is now in effect for the Florida Gulf coast from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River.

A Tropical Storm Warning is now in effect for the Florida coast west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, and for the Florida coast east of the Suwannee River to Yankeetown.

A Storm Surge Warning is now in effect west of the Aucilla River to Indian Pass.

A Tropical Storm Watch is now in effect for the Florida coast west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for...

* The Florida Gulf coast from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for...

* Florida coast west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass

* Florida coast east of the Suwannee River to Yankeetown

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...

* The Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge including the Dry Tortugas

* West coast of the Florida peninsula from south of the Suwannee River to East Cape Sable

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...

* The Florida Keys north of the Seven Mile Bridge to the Channel 5 Bridge

* The Florida coast west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...

* Aripeka northward to Indian Pass

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for...

* Bonita Beach northward to Aripeka, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor