Tropical Storm Debby Poised to Hit Florida Coast as Life-Threatening Hurricane

Tropical Storm Debby is set to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches the Florida Gulf Coast, bringing life-threatening conditions. Forecasters urge evacuation as heavy rains, storm surges, and high winds pose significant hazards. The storm's impact is expected from Central Florida to South Carolina, with widespread evacuation orders in place.

Tropical Storm Debby is expected to unleash a torrent of rain and high surf as it moves over Gulf Coast waters on Sunday. The storm is moving north along Florida's coast and is projected to make landfall as a 'life-threatening' hurricane on Monday, according to forecasters.

'It's become clearer and clearer that Debby will become a hurricane before it makes landfall,' stated Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, urging residents to heed evacuation orders. Initially a broad, disorganized system, Debby transformed into a named tropical storm late on Saturday after leaving Cuba's northern coast.

Currently moving at 14 mph into the Gulf Coast and situated about 260 miles south-southwest of Tampa, its winds are expected to jump from 45 mph to 70 mph or more by Sunday night, as it strengthens into a hurricane. 'This is a life-threatening situation,' the NHC warned in a report, highlighting numerous hazards including extreme storm surges and heavy rain.

Storm surges could rise up to seven feet along Florida's Big Bend area. Heavy rains of up to 10 inches, with isolated spots reaching 15 inches, are expected, depending on the storm's speed. Following landfall, Debby is projected to lose some strength but will still unleash heavy rains as it traverses Central Florida to the Atlantic coast, aiming towards Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina.

Parts of the Gulf Coast counties like Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus have issued evacuation orders. A tropical storm warning is in effect for southern Florida, extending to Fort Myers. Governor Ron DeSantis has mobilized 3,000 National Guardsmen and placed the state under emergency orders in anticipation of Debby's landfall.

(With inputs from agencies.)