04/08/2024
Overnight Debby thoughts:
1. No meaningful changes to the track. Recon found a slightly repositioned center and thus shifted the track just a touch to the East. The forecast remains solid.
2. When Debby passes our area, it will be getting stronger. Coastal areas should see winds around 40 mph on Sunday afternoon and evening. The winds could be higher in Hernando and Citrus counties. Storm surge is still a big concern for areas along the Gulf and Bay. We will continue to update any changes, but the timing of high tide will be in the afternoon and early evening.
3. Landfall will occur in the Big Bend area on Monday morning. Latest guidance has winds of around 85 mph. The odds of Rapid Intensification according to models is about 30%. So not likely, but certainly possible. Either way, the impacts on our area will remain the same. Windy, gusty along the coast with heavy downpours. The closer you are to the beach, the heavier the rains will be.
4. My suggestion? Hang at home on Sunday and keep up to date with any changes we may see. It's gonna be a pretty nasty day and difficult to drive in the squally weather. Rainfall totals will be 4 to 8 inches along the coast with much lower totals inland.
5. Nothing to freak out about in the Bay Area. Unfortunately, the Big Bend will see much more wind and surge than we do, however, it's a pretty rural coastal area up there and shouldn't be nearly as strong as Idalia was last year when it hit pretty much the same area.
6. Keep it here 24/7. No one updates social media like we do during a storm. It's our passion. Hope you find it useful. Stay safe on Sunday!