Chances are increasing that a developing tropical disturbance in the Caribbean will enter the eastern Gulf of Mexico, intensify and threaten areas along the coast, probably between Florida and Louisiana.
Assuming this disturbance earns a name, it will become Tropical Storm Debby, and the system has the potential to produce serious amounts of rain along the eastern Gulf Coast. Depending on how strong it becomes, it could also produce hazardous winds and a dangerous ocean surge.
The west coast of Florida could begin to experience impacts from rain and gusty winds as soon as Saturday, with perhaps the biggest threat coming Sunday. If the system stalls, impacts could linger well into next week.
Flooding due to heavy rain is historically the deadliest hazard associated with tropical storms, and this system has the potential to produce substantial precipitation not only along the coast but also for areas inland.
Some computer models project that this system will stall near the coastline for multiple days, potentially unloading extreme rainfall.
Others, however, suggest it may progress more quickly to the north, reducing the rainfall potential some along the Gulf Coast while bringing some impacts to Georgia and the Carolinas early to mid-next week.
