MIAMI: Hurricane and storm surge warnings were issued for the Big Bend region of Florida as Tropical Storm Debby strengthened over the Gulf of Mexico, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

Florida Today said Tropical Storm Debby is expected to become a hurricane Sunday night before making landfall on the Big Bend coast Monday morning.

A Hurricane warning has been issued for a portion of Florida. Some areas could see up to 18 inches of rain.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday declared a state of emergency Thursday for 54 counties. Seven more counties were added late Friday, putting 61 of Florida’s 67 counties under a state of emergency.

Weakening is expected on Monday and Tuesday after Debby moves inland. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center. Wind gusts to 49 mph and 48 mph were recently reported at the Key West Naval Air Station and Key West International Airport, respectively

Source: Emirates News Agency