Drenching rain for the Tampa Bay area as Debby makes its way north

Tropical Storm Debby continues to gain strength in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to rapidly strengthen into a hurricane before making landfall in the Bend region Monday morning.

In the meantime, conditions across the greater Tampa Bay region "will continue to deteriorate through the day" as Debby parallels the coast and makes its way north, according to the National Weather Service.

READ MORE: DeSantis warns Tropical Storm Debby will be a "major event"

As of early Sunday morning, Debby's maximum sustained winds strengthened to 50 mph. It was located around 190 miles south-southwest of Tampa and moving to the north-northwest at 13 mph.

The region remains under a tropical storm warning, storm surge warning, and flood watch as Debby is forecast to produce anywhere from 4-8 inches of rain, and generate 2-4 feet of storm surge along the coast — and 3-5 feet along the Nature Coast.

Debby is likely to bring drenching rain and coastal flooding to much of the Gulf Coast by Sunday night and predictions show the system could come ashore as a Category 1 hurricane Monday in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and cross over northern Florida into the Atlantic Ocean.

Rain bands and gusty winds associated with Debby will produce showers throughout the day, and isolated thunderstorms from a few of the stronger bands, forecasters say. There's also slight risk for spin-up tornadoes.

The heaviest rain will occur near the coast, and the strongest winds and storms will take place from the Nature Coast to the north, where Debby is forecast to pass closest before its anticipated Monday morning landfall, forecasters said.

Debby is forecast to exit the area Monday night into Tuesday, moving inland through north Florida. It's then expected to slow down as it reemerges in the Atlantic, with severe weather headed to Jacksonville and coastal regions of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Debby is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season after Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Chris, all of which formed in June.

National Hurricane Center

Sandbags

Sandbags are available across the greater Tampa Bay region. Click here for the locations.

Closures

• 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 has activated its Call Center 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 on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tampa International Airport flight delays

Tampa International Airport says it's planning to remain operational through the weekend, but warned delays and cancellations are expected Sunday. Passengers are urged to continue checking directly with their airlines for the latest flight information.

Information from the Associated Press and the News Service of Florida was used in this report.