Hurricane Debby: Storm upgraded to Category 1 hurricane

Stay ahead of the tropics this weekend with this information from our WPTV First Alert Meteorologist Steve Weagle:

Hurricane Debby formed in the Gulf of Mexico as a Category 1 storm as of the 11PM advisory on Sunday night, with 75 mph sustained winds.

1. Tropical Storm Debby could strengthen even further before making landfall along the Big Bend region Monday morning.
   
2. A hurricane warning is in effect for the Florida coast from the Suwanee River to Yankeetown. This includes the towns of Saint Marks, Monticello, Perry, Madison, and Cross City.
   

3. Storm surge warnings in effect for Florida coast from the middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass ( including Tampa Bay) Warnings are also in effect for Georgia and the South Carolina coast from the mouth of the St. Mary's River to South Santee River

4. On this current track, Debby is expected to move north through the eastern Gulf of Mexico overnight and reach the Florida Big Bend coast by Monday morning.

   TRACKING THE TROPICS: Hurricane Center | Hurricane Guide
   

5. Storm surge on portions of Florida's Gulf coast could reach between 4 to 10 feet in the hardest hit areas
   
6. Rainfall amounts across parts of the Gulf coast and north Florida could see 6 to 12 inches of rain. Areas of Georgia and the Carolinas could see amounts between 10" - 20" with isolated amounts to 30"
   
7. Tropical Storm Force winds stretch out 140 miles from the center. The center is located about 100 miles west of the West Coast
   
8. Rip Currents! Rough Seas! Gusty Squalls! No, it is not a good idea (or safe) to be at the beach or out on the water
   
9. As Debby pulls further north and away from South Florida - we will slowly start to transition back to a more typical summertime pattern. However - lingering tropical moisture from Debby will still result in some heavy downpours.
   
10. Wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph are expected on Monday
    
11. The next complete forecast track will be issued at 5 a.m. Your WPTV First Alert Meteorologists we will continue to keep you updated on any changes