ORLANDO, Fla. – Hurricane Debby will continue to strengthen through Sunday over the warm Gulf waters.
It’s likely that the Big Bend region will experience the most impact. For Central Florida, the main concerns are heavy rain causing flash flooding and the potential for isolated tornadoes.
If the storm follows the right side of the forecast cone, Central Florida could see more significant effects. Tropical storm watches are in effect for Polk and Lake counties, and a tropical storm warning and flood watch are in effect for Marion and Sumter counties.
Expect the winds to increase gradually with outer bands moving across Central Florida on Sunday.
The eastern side of the system is expected to move across Central Florida starting Sunday afternoon though the evening, possibly bringing a few spin-ups.
It will likely remain breezy through Sunday and Monday with intervals of heavy rain.
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The worst weather is expected in Central Florida from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon.
Generally, the closer you are to the Gulf Coast, the greater the impact, as tropical storm Debby is expected to make landfall around the Big Bend area Monday morning. All of Central Florida should be prepared for severe weather on Sunday into Monday.
Volusia:
Wind: 15-30 mph
Rain: 2-4 inches
Tornado threat: Isolated
Orange:
Wind: 15-25 mph
Rain: 1-2+ inches
Tornado threat: Isolated
Osceola:
Wind: 15-30 mph
Rain: 1-3 inches
Tornado threat: Isolated
Seminole:
Wind: 15-25 mph
Rain: 1-3+ inches
Tornado threat: Isolated
Flagler:
Wind: 15-30 mph
Rain: 2-4 inches
Tornado threat: Isolated
Brevard:
Wind: 15-25 mph
Rain: 1-2+ inches
Tornado threat: Isolated
Lake:
Wind: 20-30 mph
Rain: 2-5+ inches
Tornado threat: Isolated
Sumter:
Wind: 35-40 mph
Rain: 3-5+ inches
Tornado threat: Isolated
Marion:
Wind: 25-45 mph
Rain: 3-6+ inches
Tornado threat: Isolated
Polk:
Wind: 15-25 mph
Rain: 1-3+ inches
Tornado threat: Isolated
Rip currents, dangerous storm surge and beach erosion are likely along the west coast.
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