What is likely to become Tropical Storm Debby will strengthen over the eastern Gulf of Mexico this weekend with significant impacts coming to Florida in the short term, followed by dangers along the Carolina coast next week.
A tropical rainstorm is forecast to strengthen while moving northward along the Florida Peninsula’s Gulf coast this weekend, spreading rain, gusty winds and severe thunderstorms slowly northward. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that not only may the feature become a hurricane but it may also later stall along the southeastern United States coast next week.
AccuWeather dubbed the wave of low pressure a tropical rainstorm on Monday to raise public awareness as it approached the Leeward Islands with drenching showers and thunderstorms. During the rest of the week, the tropical rainstorm pushed slowly but steadily westward across Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and Cuba.
The feature’s next encounter will be with Florida–likely as a strengthening tropical storm this weekend.
A state of emergency was declared in Florida on Thursday evening, a move that will open up additional resources to the state to prepare for the approaching storm. On Friday, the National Hurricane Center classified it as Potential Tropical Cyclone Four.