Tropical Storm Debby is expected to continue to strengthen over the warmer Gulf of Mexico waters today, forecasters said.
The entire Tampa Bay region is under a tropical storm warning and storm surge warning, and a hurricane watch is in effect from Yankeetown in Levy County to the Aucilla River in Florida's Big Bend as the storm's track has shifted to the west.
Weather conditions
Forecasters say widespread showers from the system will be felt across southwest Florida Sunday, with the heaviest rain and strongest winds near the coast.
Those storms could produce isolated flooding and possible isolated tornadoes, along with storm surge between 2 and 4 feet, and 3-5 feet in northern parts of the region.
Forecasters say the storm could potentially reach hurricane strength before it makes landfall along the Big Bend on Sunday.
State of emergency
A total of 61 counties are under a state of emergency as Gov. Ron DeSantis extended his emergency order to include seven counties in the Florida Panhandle.
Power outages
As of Sunday at 12:30 p.m., roughly 800 Duke Energy customers were without power in Pinellas County, along with nearly 300 TECO customers. Click the links below to check on power outages in your area.
Airline delays
Debby is causing numerous flight delays and cancellations at the area airports. Click the links below to check your flight status:
- Tampa International Airport
- Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
- St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport
Closures
- Florida State University, the University of Florida and FAMU and UF are closed on Monday. The University of South Florida is currently scheduled to remain open.
- MacDill Air Force Base will be closed Sunday to all but Mission Essential personnel.
- All Hillsborough County parks, conservation parks, preserves, and trails will be closed Sunday, including boat ramps and dog parks.
- All Pinellas County parks and preserves will be closed on Sunday. Boat ramps will be open only for those taking their vessels out of the water for safety.
- All of Tampa's parks will be closed and all programs are cancelled on Sunday.
Voluntary evacuations
Pasco County
A voluntary evacuation for certain areas.
- It's encouraging residents to evacuate if:
- You live in Evacuation Zone A
- You live in a manufactured home, mobile home or RV
- You live in a low-lying area or an area prone to flooding
- You live in a structure that historically has experienced flooding during heavy rainfall
- You're registered with Pasco as a Special Needs Resident You would be vulnerable in the event of a power loss
A shelter for special needs and the general population is open Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Fasano Regional Hurricane Center, 11611 Denton Ave., Hudson
Hernando County
Voluntary evacuations will be issued for Evacuation Zone A beginning Saturday at 7 p.m. All residents living in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as manufactured homes countywide, are included. Residents are advised to seek shelter with family or friends that reside in a safe structure. If this is not a possibility, a pet-friendly public shelter will open Saturday at 7 p.m.:
- West Hernando Middle School, 14325 Ken Austin Pkwy., Brooksville
Manatee County
Evacuations are encouraged for residents in Coastal Level A. Those living in these areas can shelter at:
- Miller Elementary School, 601 43rd St W., Bradenton
- Nolan Middle School, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd, Bradenton
Hillsborough County shelter opening
Hillsborough County will open an emergency shelter Saturday at 6 p.m. for those who are prone to flooding or have special needs.
It's at Erwin Technical College, 2010 E. Hillsborough Ave. It will be open to those with special needs as well as the general population, and is pet friendly. Residents are urged to use emergency shelters as a last resort and contact friends and family as a first option. Cots and blankets will not be provided.
Tampa Call Center
The City of Tampa will be activating its Call Center beginning Saturday from 2-7 p.m. for individuals who want to ask weather-related questions. Individuals can call 833-TPA-INFO (833-872-4636) and speak to a city staff member. The Call Center will reopen Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
