National Hurricane Center
August 3, 2024 5:00 p.m. update
The storm has upgraded to a tropical storm- Tropical Storm Debby.
Tropical Storm
A tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph (34 to 63 knots).
Location: 23.9°N 83.2°W
Moving: NW at 15 mph
Min pressure: 1007 mb
Max sustained: 40 mph
Polk County remains under a Tropical Storm Watch.
RAINFALL: Tropical Storm Debby is expected to produce rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches, with maximum rainfall totals up to 18 inches, across portions of Florida and along the Southeast U.S. coast this weekend through Thursday. This rainfall will likely result in areas of considerable flash and urban flooding, with significant river flooding expected.
Here is the full National Weather Service severe weather alert:
* LOCATIONS AFFECTED – Lakeland – Winter Haven – Bartow
* WIND – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind – Peak Wind Forecast: 15-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph
– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39 to 57 mph – The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: The sustained wind should remain less than tropical storm force. Conditions may still be gusty. – PREPARE: Listen for any instructions from local officials. – ACT: Ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change.
– REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed – Little to no additional wind impacts expected. Community officials are now assessing the extent of actual wind impacts accordingly.
* FLOODING RAIN – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: – Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 3-6 inches, with locally higher amounts
– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for moderate flooding rain – The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for moderate flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are possible. – PREPARE: Consider protective actions if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding. – ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action may result in serious injury or loss of life.
– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant – Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues. – Rivers and tributaries may quickly become swollen with swifter currents and overspill their banks in a few places, especially in usually vulnerable spots. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches overflow. – Flood waters can enter some structures or weaken foundations. Several places may experience expanded areas of rapid inundation at underpasses, low-lying spots, and poor drainage areas. Some streets and parking lots take on moving water as storm drains and retention ponds overflow. Driving conditions become hazardous. Some road and bridge closures.
* TORNADO – LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: – Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes
– THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few tornadoes – The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment. – PLAN: Plans should still include the potential for a few tornadoes. – PREPARE: Keep informed should additional weather alerts be needed. – ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.
– POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited – The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. – A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions. – Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and boats pulled from moorings.
