WTUS82 KMLB 032112 HLSMLB FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-164-247-254-259-264-347-447-547-647-747-040400- Tropical Storm Debby Local Statement Advisory Number 6 National Weather Service Melbourne FL AL042024 512 PM EDT Sat Aug 3 2024 This product covers East Central Florida **Tropical Storm Debby expected to strengthen over the eastern Gulf of Mexico through Sunday night** NEW INFORMATION --------------- * CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - None * CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS: - A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Northern Lake and Southern Lake * STORM INFORMATION: - About 350 miles south-southwest of Leesburg FL - 23.9N 83.2W - Storm Intensity 40 mph - Movement Northwest or 310 degrees at 15 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Debby is located over northwest Cuba this afternoon and is forecast to move northwest, emerging into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico tonight. Additional strengthening is forecast as it continues north on Sunday, with a slower northeastward motion Sunday night into Monday as it approaches the Big Bend of Florida. Tropical moisture will continue to increase across east central Florida ahead of the system. Developing outer rain bands are forecast to move northward this evening, continuing into tonight. Multiple rounds of rainfall are expected, especially as the system makes its closest approach on Sunday. Locally higher rainfall totals will result from rain bands repeatedly moving over the same locations. Generally, 2 to 4 inches of total rainfall are forecast areawide with locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches possible. These rainfall amounts, along with instances of higher rainfall rates, will be capable of producing flooding in low-lying and urban areas. Ponding of water on roadways may also lead to hazardous driving conditions. Any future adjustments in the track of this system may result in changes to the current rainfall forecast. The system is forecast to be near or at hurricane strength as it approaches the north Florida Gulf Coast Monday morning. Gusty squalls are expected with this system, and the potential for wind gusts up to 45 mph exists, especially in closer proximity to the center of the storm. A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Lake County for the potential of tropical storm force winds in the next 48 hours. In addition to strong wind gusts, a few tornadoes embedded in rain bands are possible tonight into Sunday as the system moves northward. Do not let your guard down, especially in locations east of the current Tropical Storm Watch. Impacts from this tropical cyclone will be experienced far from the center of the storm. Now is the time to ensure your hurricane supply kit is stocked and your safety plan is in place. As Tropical Storm Debby becomes better organized over the next 24 to 36 hours, additional changes to the forecast are possible. Eastward shifts in the forecast track would increase the potential for additional impacts locally, so continue to monitor the latest forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Prepare for hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across Lake County. Potential impacts in this area include: - Damage to porches, awnings, carports, sheds, and unanchored mobile homes. Unsecured lightweight objects blown about. - Many large tree limbs broken off. A few trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Some fences and roadway signs blown over. - A few roads impassable from debris, particularly within urban or heavily wooded places. Hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways. - Scattered power and communications outages. Elsewhere across East Central Florida, little to no impact is anticipated. * FLOODING RAIN: Prepare for dangerous rainfall flooding having possible significant impacts across northern and central portions of East Central Florida. Potential impacts include: - 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. Prepare for locally hazardous rainfall flooding having possible limited impacts across across remaining areas of East Central Florida. * TORNADOES: Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across East Central Florida. Potential impacts include: - 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 small boats pulled from moorings. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business. When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the center of the storm. Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast. There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm, especially on Sunday. Have multiple ways to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly. * ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION: - For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov - For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org - For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org NEXT UPDATE ----------- The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Melbourne FL around 12 AM, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$