Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Southwest Florida Amid Potential Impact
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an updated Tropical Storm Warning on Saturday morning, now encompassing parts of Charlotte, DeSoto, and Sarasota counties. This warning follows three days of forecasts indicating the storm’s development.
The tropical depression is currently tracking north of the region and is expected to make landfall north of Tampa Bay in the Big Bend area, which was devastated by Hurricane Idalia a year ago. Once fully formed, the storm will be named Tropical Storm Debby, with a projected landfall between Weeki Wachee and St. Vincent Island in the Florida Panhandle.
For Southwest Florida, Saturday morning’s forecast predicts winds of 15-25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph, and the potential for winds reaching 57 mph.
“The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment,” the NWS stated.
In addition to the wind, a storm surge watch has been issued, effective through Monday afternoon, with the potential for flooding greater than three feet above ground.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Thursday for much of Florida, including Charlotte, Sarasota, and DeSoto counties. Local agencies are urging residents to prepare for significant rainfall.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
