Hurricane Debby Strengthens, Approaches Florida

Tropical Storm Debby has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph, moving toward Florida. It's currently 100 miles west-southwest of Tampa. Forecasters warn of potentially catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia due to heavy rain.

Tropical Storm Debby has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches Florida.

According to the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, the storm has achieved maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) as of Sunday evening. It is now located approximately 100 miles west-southwest of Tampa and is moving north at 12 mph (19 kph).

This marks Debby as the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, following Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl, and Tropical Storm Chris, all of which formed in June.

Heavy rainfall from Debby could result in catastrophic flooding in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia, forecasters warn.

(With inputs from agencies.)