Tropical Storm Debby formed north of Cuba on Saturday afternoon.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Debby was located at latitude 23.4°N and longitude 83.2°W which put the center about 100 miles (160 km) west-southwest of Key West, Florida. Debby was moving toward the northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1007 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Suwannee River to Ochlockonee River, Florida.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass, Florida.  A Hurricane Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Suwannee River to Yankeetown, Florida.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from East Cape Sable to Suwannee River, Florida.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Florida Keys west of Seven Mile Bridge.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the Dry Tortugas.

A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the Florida Keys from Seven Mile Bridge to Channel 5 Bridge,  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for portion of the coast from Indian Pass to Mexico Beach, Florida.

Former Tropical Depression Four strengthened on Saturday afternoon and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Debby.  More thunderstorms formed near the center of Tropical Storm Debby after it moved north of Cuba.  More thunderstorms also formed in bands revolving around the center of Tropical Storm Debby.  Storm’s near the center of Debby’s circulation generated more upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

The distribution of wind speeds in Tropical Storm Debby was asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) in the eastern half of Debby’s circulation.  Winds in the western side of Debby were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Debby Four will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Debby will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the southeastern part of an upper level ridge over the southeastern U.S.  The ridge will produce northeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Debby’s circulation.  The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the east and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Debby will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Debby is likely to intensify slowly as it moves away from Cuba.  Tropical Storm Debby is likely to intensify more rapidly when it moves over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Sunday.  Debby could strengthen to a hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Debby will move around the western end of a high pressure system over the western Atlantic Ocean.  The high pressure system will steer Debby toward the north-northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Debby will approach the coast of north Florida on Monday.

Tropical Storm Debby will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Florida.  Heavy rain could cause flooding in some locations.  Tropical Storm Debby could also cause a storm surge of up to 8 feet (2.3 meters) along the west coast of Florida.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Aripeka to Indian Pass, Florida.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Bonita Beach to Aripeka, Florida.  The Storm Surge Watch includes Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.