PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Tropical Depression Four was moving slowly over western Cuba on Saturday and was forecast to strengthen into a tropical depression and later into Hurricane Debby.
With 35 mph sustained winds, the National Hurricane Center reported the system was “somewhat better organized this morning” but its circulation was “still somewhat elongated” while still inland.
Its northwestward turn appeared to be starting. The anticipated effect of the Gulf of Mexico’s warm waters prompted a hurricane watch to be in effect for Florida’s Big Bend region on Saturday.
Related coverage: Latest from Weather Authority hurricane specialist
In South Florida, the system is causing on-and-off rain bands that will affect coastal water, so Saturday is not a good beach day. There was a high surf advisory in effect for Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Monroe County was under a tropical storm warning affecting mostly Flamingo, Cape Sable, and Loop Road. Officials asked residents to plan for hazardous wind of tropical storm force and to expect hazardous driving conditions on bridges and other elevated roadways.
Related coverage: Tropical storm watch is in effect for lower and middle Florida Keys
Related coverage: Coastal Miami-Dade under high-surf advisory, flood watch, risk of rip currents
A flood watch was in effect in Monroe, Miami-Dade, and Broward counties. There is also a coastal flood watch in the Florida Keys.
Localized storm surge remains possible with the potential for up to 2 feet above ground within surge-prone areas. The window of concern is from Saturday evening to early Monday morning.
WARNING: 4 watches and 5 advisories in effect for 10 regions in the area
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