Tropical Storm Debby forms in the Gulf. Heavy rain expected in Bradenton, forecast says

Ryan Callihan

August 3, 2024 at 11:14 a.m.·1 min read

Tropical Depression Four strengthened into Tropical Storm Debby in the Gulf of Mexico Saturday afternoon.

Manatee County remains outside the cone of uncertainty in the National Hurricane Center’s 8 p.m. advisory on Saturday. However, the storm is still poised to bring heavy rain and wind gusts to the Bradenton area.

Tropical Storm Debby is expected to continue to strengthen as it crosses the Gulf. It could become a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region around 8 a.m. Monday.

Manatee County remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, which means that tropical storm conditions are likely within the next 36 hours. The county is also under a Storm Surge Warning, with a peak storm surge of up to 4 feet expected along the coast.

Manatee County Emergency Management is also encouraging evacuations for residents in Coastal Zone A.

As of 8 p.m. Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said Manatee County could see between 4 and 8 inches of rain over the next few days. Stormy weather is expected to begin Saturday afternoon and last through Monday morning, the forecast said.

Evacuations have not been ordered in Manatee County, but emergency management officials announced Saturday morning that Nolan Middle School, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., Bradenton, would open as a shelter at noon for anyone looking to escape low-lying, flood-prone areas.

Local officials have also made free sandbags available at the following locations:

Coquina Beach (near the Bus Loop), 1507 S. Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach
Lincoln Park, 501 17th St. E., Palmetto
Former Manatee County Utilities Headquarters, 4700 66th St. W., Bradenton
Myakka City Community Center, 10060 Wauchula Road, Myakka City
Public Works Annex (City of Bradenton residents only), 1411 Ninth St. W., Bradenton

Tropical depression four could bring a good bit of rain to Florida over the weekend.

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