Sarasota and Manatee counties are currently on the projected path of Potential tropical cyclone 4, which the National Hurricane Center hopes to develop further. If sustained winds exceed 39 mph, it would become Tropical Storm Debby, the fourth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Sarasota and Manatee counties are under a tropical storm watch.
In 2012, Sarasota was hit by another Tropical Storm Debby that flooded streets, damaged roofs and sank boats.
Below are the latest updates on the Sarasota area forecast, cancellations and closures, and what you may need to do to prepare as we update this blog with the latest information.
➤ Spaghetti Models for Invest 97L
1 p.m.: Tropical storm warning issued for Sarasota and Manatee counties, storm surge and possible flooding forecast
The National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Watch for much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including the coastal and inland counties of Sarasota and Manatee.
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm force winds are possible somewhere in this area within the next 48 hours
Also included are Charlotte, Hillsborough, Polk, Lee, Pasco, DeSoto and Hardee counties.
The most recently NWS Tampa office forecast forecast peak winds of 40-50 mph Saturday night and Sunday morning, localized thunderstorms of 1-3 feet and 4-8 inches of rain, with the potential for more in certain areas.
“Prepare for dangerous flooding with rainfall that will have possible significant impacts in Midwest and Southwest Florida,” the NHS alert says.
12 p.m.: What conditions could Sarasota and Manatee counties see?
According to the latest rainfall distribution map from the National Hurricane Center’s 11 a.m. advisory, coastal Sarasota and Manatee counties could see 6 to 8 inches of rain over the next five days and inland areas 4 to 6 inches.
Flash flooding is currently a small risk for the area.
There is a 20% to 30% chance of tropical storm-force winds in the area, although the estimate could change as the system approaches. The most likely arrival time for tropical storm force winds was shown on a map between 8pm Saturday and 8am Sunday.
11:30 a.m.: Manatee County opens sandbag sites ahead of potential tropical storm
Manatee County Public Works crews are setting up self-service sandbag sites for residents who want to protect their properties ahead of the tropical system. expected to impact Sarasota and Manatee counties.Sand and bags will be available starting at noon today at:
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Coquina Beach (near the Bus Loop) at 1507 S. Gulf Dr. in Bradenton Beach
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Lincoln Park at 501 17th Street East in Palmetto
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Manatee County Utilities headquarters at 4410 66th Street W. in Bradenton
Follow Manatee County’s official storm information at mymanatee.org/storm or by registering at Manatee alert.
11 a.m.: National Hurricane Center update: Tropical storm watches and warnings hit Florida and Sarasota directly in the storm’s path
At 11 a.m., the disturbance was centered near latitude 20.9 North and longitude 76.6 West.
The system is moving west-northwest near 16 mph. A turn to the northwest at a slower speed is expected tonight or Saturday, followed by a turn to the north on Sunday.
On its predicted path, the disturbance is expected to pass through Cuba today, cross the Florida Straits on Saturday and then pass near or over the west coast of Florida, with Sarasota and Manatee counties in the middle of its path.
Maximum sustained winds are near 30 mph, with higher gusts.
The disturbance is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression on Saturday as it crosses the Florida Straits, followed by intensification into a tropical storm on Saturday night.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for southwest Florida from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 1,012 mb.
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Chance of formation in 48 hours: high, 70%.
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Chance of formation in 7 days: high, 90%.
Manatee County declares state of emergency ahead of potential Tropical Storm Debby
Manatee County declared a local state of emergency during a special meeting of county commissioners Friday morning, ahead of severe weather forecast for the next few days due to the approaching tropical wave currently known as Invest97L.
“It is important for the public to monitor the storm and prepare for the possible effects of flooding,” Manatee County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) Chairman Mike Rahn said in a statement.
The declaration of a local state of emergency allows county staff to take any necessary emergency actions during the storm, as well as “the ability to obtain resources from the state when needed,” said Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske.
Manatee County has declared a local state of emergency ahead of severe weather forecast for the next few days, as current forecasts for Invest 97L predict significant rainfall across Florida, including Manatee. Follow official storm information at https://t.co/fBnwYQqygm. pic.twitter.com/SrexJNAuW5
– Manatee County Government (@ManateeGov) August 2, 2024
Remember when Tropical Storm Debby hit Sarasota, Bradenton in 2012?
In 2012, Tropical Storm Debby – a relatively weak player in the storm spectrum – wreaked havoc in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
According to the Herald-Tribune report, the storm’s “incessant rain and gusty winds” overwhelmed wastewater treatment plants and left more than 10,000 people without power in the area.
Take a look:
What is the latest forecast for the tropical wave impacting Sarasota, Bradenton?
As the tropical system dubbed Invest97L continues its path toward Sarasota and Manatee counties, the National Hurricane Center now expects that “tropical storm watches or warnings may be needed for parts of Florida later today.”
According to the NHC’s latest forecast, environmental conditions are expected to be conducive to additional development after passing over or near Cuba, “and a tropical depression is likely to form this weekend over the Florida Straits or in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, near the Florida Peninsula.” .”
“Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding in areas in Florida, Cuba and the Bahamas through the weekend,” the NHC states.
The storm now has a 60% chance of forming within the next 48 hours and a 90% chance of forming within the next seven days.
“Landfall could occur sometime between late Sunday and early Monday anywhere from Apalachicola to the Tampa Bay area,” National Weather Service meteorologists said.
This article originally appeared in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Live Storm Updates: Tropical Storm Watching, Thunderstorms, Flooding
