WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Potential Tropical Cyclone Four is moving over eastern Cuba on Friday and is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression and subsequently into Tropical Storm Debby, bringing heavy rain and flooding to South Florida over the weekend.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a tropical storm warning for parts of Southwest Florida from East Cape Sable, at the tip of the Florida Peninsula, north to Bonita Beach.
Additionally, a tropical storm watch is in effect for parts of the Florida Keys and coastal Southwest Florida. No watches or warnings are currently in place for Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
The NHC predicts that this wave will develop into a tropical depression on Saturday as it crosses the Straits of Florida, likely intensifying into Tropical Storm Debby by Saturday night. The wave has a 70% chance of developing over the next two days and a 90% chance over the next seven days.
It’s expected to move near or over Cuba throughout Friday, then emerge over the Straits of Florida by tonight or Saturday. The system is then anticipated to move near or over the west coast of Florida from Saturday night through Sunday night.
Meteorologist Jennifer Correa from WPTV First Alert Weather indicated that thunderstorm activity is present, but the system has not yet formed a solid center. Correa mentioned that environmental conditions are conducive to further development, making the formation of a tropical depression likely this weekend over the Straits of Florida or the eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula.
Parts of Palm Beach County are under a “slight” risk of excessive rainfall, the second lowest tier, while the rest of the area faces a “marginal” risk, the lowest tier. Correa explained that there is a risk of scattered flash flooding, with higher rainfall accumulation expected farther south.
Correa added that the region could receive two to five inches of rainfall over the next few days. The rain and storms are expected to intensify late Saturday morning and continue into Sunday, before weakening somewhat on Monday.
“These scattered showers and thunderstorms will come in almost like feeder bands,” Correa said.
Watch the WPTV First Alert Weather forecast for more updates.