Watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News and scroll below for the latest updates on Hurricane Debby from Channel 9′s team of meteorologists:
SEE: Tracking Debby: Storm causes damage, flooding in Florida
8:08 a.m. update:
A Tornado Warning has been issued in Polk County.
The warning area includes Winter Haven, Haines City and Auburndale.
The alert is in effect until 8:30 a.m.
Most of Central Florida is under a Tornado Watch until 4 p.m.
Watch live updates on Channel 9.
7:30 a.m. update:
Gov. Ron DeSantis is giving an update on Florida’s response to Hurricane Debby.
Watch the full news conference here:
Joining DeSantis at the news conference was Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie.
Watch continuing coverage of Hurricane Debby’s impact in Florida on Eyewitness News.
6:59 a.m. update:
The National Hurricane Center confirmed Hurricane Debby has officially made landfall in Florida.
The eye on the storm came onshore near Horseshoe Beach in Dixie County.
Watch: Action 9: Beware of storm chasers
Debby has maximum sustained winds of around 80 mph and is moving north-northeast at 10 mph.
The system is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges and significant flooding to the area.
WFTV News continues to track the latest on Hurricane Debby on Channel 9.
#HurricaneDebby making landfall in the Florida Big Bend!
💧Bands of heavy rain will continue to move across the area with flooding possible!
🌪️A Tornado Watch for much of the region until 4 PM EDT!
✅Have multiple ways to receive warnings
💡 Use caution after the storm#FLwx pic.twitter.com/i7Q3DbPdrK— NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) August 5, 2024
6:05 a.m. update:
A Tornado Warning has been issued for northeastern Polk County.
The warning area includes Auburndale, Polk City and Eva.
The alert is in effect until 6:30 a.m.
Most of Central Florida is under a Tornado Watch until 4 p.m.
6 a.m. update:
Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to give an update Monday morning on Florida’s response to Hurricane Debby.
DeSantis plans to speak at 7:30 a.m. from the state’s Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.
WATCH: Gov. DeSantis to give update on Florida’s response to Hurricane Debby
Joining DeSantis at the news conference will be Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie.
Channel 9 will provide live coverage of the governor’s news conference when it happens.
5 a.m. update:
The latest track has Hurricane Debby moving into the “Big Bend” area of northwest Florida.
Debby will gradually move east near I-10 and bring flooding rainfall along the way.
The storm system will likely linger near the Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina area all week long.
4 a.m. update:
The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Debby will be capable of producing winds of 70 to 90 mph.
Read: Hurricane watch vs. warning? Remembering the difference is a piece of pie
Officials are advising residents to make sure loose items around their homes are secured.
Downed power lines and tree branches are also a major concern for portions of northern Florida.
Watch LIVE coverage of the storm on Eyewitness News This Morning starting at 4:30 a.m.
As Debby upgraded to hurricane, Lake County bumped up to a tropical storm warning…A few flood advisories popping up in Marion County. pic.twitter.com/GDCjTqb1g8
— George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) August 5, 2024
2 a.m. update:
Meteorologist Tom Terry said Debby remains a Category 1 hurricane, increasing only slightly in strength since the 11 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
As of 2 a.m., NHC put Debby’s maximum sustained winds at 80 mph.
Watch: ‘Predicting the Path,’ a Severe Weather Center 9 special
Terry said the storm was continuing to move at a relatively slow pace, just 12 mph.
He expected Debby to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend around daybreak Monday, possibly near Steinhatchee.
Central Florida can still expect periods of heavy rain due to the hurricane’s outer bands.
Hurricane #Debby Advisory 11A: Debby Strengthening as it Nears Landfall in the Florida Big Bend. Expected to Bring Life-Threatening Storm Surge in Portions of Florida and Major Flooding in the Southeastern United States. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 5, 2024
12 a.m. update:
Debby is a hurricane as it approaches the Northeastern Gulf Coast.
TIMELINE: Debby live updates Aug. 4
The track has shifted a bit west, meteorologist George Waldenberger said.
Most of Central Florida is under a tornado watch until 6 a.m. Monday.
Brevard County is the only area not under the tornado watch.
Read our previous timeline here.
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