WTUS82 KMLB 041536 HLSMLB FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-164-247-254-259-264-347-447-547-647-747-042300- Tropical Storm Debby Local Statement Advisory Number 9 National Weather Service Melbourne FL AL042024 1136 AM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024 This product covers East Central Florida **RAIN BANDS FROM DEBBY INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR GUSTY WINDS, HEAVY RAIN, AND A FEW TORNADOES** 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 190 miles southwest of Leesburg FL - 27.0N 84.3W - Storm Intensity 65 mph - Movement North-northwest or 330 degrees at 13 mph SITUATION OVERVIEW ------------------ Tropical Storm Debby is located over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, southwest of Tampa, Florida late this morning. Debby is forecast to move northward today while strengthening. A slower north-northeastward motion is expected early Monday as it approaches the Big Bend region of Florida. Debby is forecast to become a category 1 hurricane tonight before reaching the Florida Big Bend Monday morning. Outer rain bands with embedded lightning will continue to move through east central Florida this afternoon, tonight, and into Monday. Multiple rounds of rainfall are expected, especially as the system makes its closest approach this afternoon and tonight. 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. Southeast winds will continue to increase, reaching 15 to 25 mph and becoming gusty across east central Florida. Winds will remain gusty tonight through Monday as winds slowly turn more south to southwest. Rain bands and squalls associated with Debby will bring strong wind gusts up to 50 mph at times across east central Florida through tonight. There is also a marginal risk for severe wind gusts with stronger storms. A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for Lake County for the potential of tropical storm force winds through Monday morning. In addition to strong wind gusts, a few tornadoes embedded in rain bands are possible through tonight as the system moves northward. A Tornado Watch is now in effect for portions of east central Florida. 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. POTENTIAL IMPACTS ----------------- * WIND: Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across East Central Florida. Remain well sheltered from hazardous wind having possible limited impacts. If realized, these impacts 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. * FLOODING RAIN: Potential impacts from the flooding rain are unfolding across East Central Florida. Remain well guarded against dangerous flood waters having possible significant impacts. If realized, these 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. * TORNADOES: Potential impacts from tornadoes are unfolding across East Central Florida. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include: - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events. - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures. - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS ---------------------------------- * EVACUATIONS: Follow the advice of local officials. * OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION: Keep your cell phone charged and in power-saving mode. If you lose power, use it sparingly and mainly for personal emergencies and check- ins. Do not be a thrill seeker or risk your life for senseless photos or videos. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, quickly move to the safest place within your shelter. Protect your head and body. * 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 5:30 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant. $$ Schaper