Tropical Depression Four – UPDATE #2 – 8/3/2024

University of Florida officials are actively monitoring Tropical Depression Four, which has strengthened from Potential Tropical Cyclone 4, according to the 5 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Here’s what we know today:

Tropical Depression Four formed south of Cuba last night and will likely become Tropical Storm Debby as it tracks northward off the Florida west coast later today into tonight. It is predicted to strengthen over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Rainfall will increase Sunday, with deteriorating conditions Sunday night into Monday.

A Hurricane Watch has been issued for portions of West-Central Florida and the Big Bend region, where hurricane conditions are possible late Sunday. Tropical storm conditions are expected farther south along Florida’s west coast, including the Tampa Bay area, and across the Dry Tortugas where Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect.

There is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from storm surge along portions of the west coast of Florida from Bonita Beach to Aucilla River, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, where a Storm Surge Watch is in effect.

The impacts from storm surge, strong winds, and heavy rains are possible elsewhere in Florida and along the southeast coast.

UF units in the Peninsula, including the main campus, and Big Bend should monitor the system’s progress through the weekend and be prepared to implement plans.

UF units with operations in the watch and warning areas in central and southern Florida should follow guidance from local officials.

Additionally, UF officials expect to announce a decision Sunday regarding campus operations and class schedules for Gainesville, where potential heavy rainfall is expected beginning late Sunday into Monday. The current forecast is for 5-6 inches through Wednesday. It is uncertain if Gainesville will experience any tropical storm winds, although the latest forecasts predict that will be limited to coastal and marine areas.

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

The next planned update will be on Sunday.