National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce
Overview:

Hurricane Debby developed from Tropical Depression Four, that formed along the southern coast of Cuba around 11 PM EDT on August 2. The depression moved into the southeast Gulf of Mexico and strengthened into Tropical Storm Debby at 5 PM EDT on August 3. Debby continued organizing while turning northwest then north on August 4, strengthening to a hurricane at 11 PM EDT while centered about 100 miles west-northwest of Tampa. The hurricane gradually turned north-northeast while continuing to strengthen and made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, around 7 AM EDT August 5. Debby produced storm surge and wind damage across west central and southwest Florida as it passed by the area to the west. However its most significant impact was river and flash flooding caused by torrential rainfall, which in parts of Manatee and Sarasota counties totaled between 15 and 20 inches, prompting the closure of numerous roadways and requiring water rescues from stranded vehicles to homes and apartments in area neighborhoods.
 
 
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