Tropical Storm Debby Set to Become Hurricane, Threatens Florida's Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Debby formed on Saturday and is expected to turn into a hurricane before hitting Florida's northern Gulf Coast on Monday. The storm is currently moving at 14 mph with winds anticipated to increase significantly. Evacuation orders have been issued for parts of Florida, and significant storm surges and heavy rains are expected.

Tropical Storm Debby, formed late Saturday, is projected to intensify into a hurricane before making landfall on Florida's northern Gulf Coast on Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Initially a broad, disorganized system, Debby finally consolidated off Cuba's northern coast.

"It's become clearer and clearer that Debby will become a hurricane before it makes landfall," said Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the NHC, urging residents to comply with evacuation orders. Debby, currently 240 miles south of Tampa, is inching forward at 14 mph with wind speeds expected to rise from 40 mph up to 70 mph or more overnight.

The NHC has declared the situation life-threatening, with Debby's rain squalls and 40 mph winds already impacting Key West. Hazards include potential storm surges up to 7 feet in Florida's Big Bend area, and up to 15 inches of rain in some regions if the storm decelerates.

(With inputs from agencies.)