TROPICAL STORM DEBBY – UPDATE #3 – 8/4/2024

University of Florida officials are actively monitoring Tropical Storm Debby, which has strengthened from Tropical Depression Four, according to the 5 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center. While much remains unknown about the storm’s path, here’s what we know today:

Tropical Storm Debby continues to slowly strengthen over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane before it makes landfall in the Florida Big Bend region, according to the National Hurricane Center. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Florida coast from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River with tropical storm conditions beginning Sunday evening.

In Alachua County, which includes the UF Gainesville campus, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect east of I-75 and a Tropical Storm Warning is in place west of I-75, with outer rainbands expected to increase late Sunday through Monday night. All UF units in the watch and warning areas, including main campus, should monitor forecasts, follow guidance from local officials and finalize their preparations today. UF officials expect to announce a decision Sunday afternoon regarding campus operations and class schedules.

A Hurricane Warning is issued when sustained winds of 74 mph or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less. A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher are expected in 36 hours or less. A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 39 to 73 mph or higher are possible, generally within 48 hours.

Areas along the west coast under Tropical Storm Warning, including Tampa Bay and the Lower Florida Keys, are expected to begin experiencing bands of heavy rainfall Sunday. There is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from storm surge along portions of the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach in Southwest Florida to Aucilla River in the Panhandle, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, where a Storm Surge Watch is in effect.

Tropical Storm Warnings are also in effect for The Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge including the Dry Tortugas; the Florida coast south of the Suwannee River to East Cape Sable and the Florida coast west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass. Rainfall totals of 6 to 12 inches are expected, with isolated areas seeing up to 18 inches.

On the East Coast, storm surge inundation of up to 3 feet is possible, especially for locations north of St. Augustine to Brunswick, Ga. Sunday night into Monday morning. Heavy coastal rainfall combined with surge will create flooding issues, especially in poor drainage areas of coastal communities, according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.

A Flood Watch is in effect for 31 counties, including Alachua.

We will continue to monitor and update the UF community on expected impacts as information becomes available.

Helpful Links
• National Weather Service-Jacksonville Briefing Slides
• National Hurricane Center (Forecast updates issued at 5 AM, 11 AM, 5 PM, and 11 PM)
• Download the Florida Storms App for updates from UF Weather Center/FPREN