Tropical Storm Debby affects Florida August 2024; and as a result, you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information pertaining to the weather — if this region is in your travel plans over the next few days.
Tropical Storm Debby Affects Florida: August 2024 Travel Alert
Maximum sustained winds of Tropical Storm Debby — which is currently approximately 125 miles west southwest of Tampa in Florida and moving north northwest at a speed of 13 miles per hour — are at 65 miles per hour, which means that it is currently a strong tropical storm. Landfall of what is forecast to become a hurricane is expected to occur somewhere along the coast of Apalachee Bay in the Big Bend area of the state of Florida as soon as the early hours of tomorrow morning, Monday, August 5, 2024.
The strengthening of this storm is due to the temperatures of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which are currently experiencing record warmth and are helping to fuel this tropical system to intensify rapidly.
A state of emergency in 61 counties has been declared by Ron DeSantis, who is the current governor of the state of Florida.
The outermost bands of this tropical storm are already currently affecting portions of southern Georgia.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Florida from:
- The Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Florida from:
- West of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass
- South of the Suwannee River to Yankeetown
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Florida from:
- The Dry Tortugas
- South of the Suwannee River to East Cape Sable
- West of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the coasts of:
- Florida west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach
- The mouth of the Saint Mary’s River in Georgia to South Santee River South Carolina
A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Florida from:
- The middle of Longboat Key northward to Indian Pass — including Tampa Bay
A Storm Surge Watch is in effect from:
- Bonita Beach northward to to the middle of Longboat Key in Florida — including Charlotte Harbor
- The mouth of the Saint Mary’s River in Georgia to South Santee River South Carolina
Significant precipitation of up to 18 inches is possible in across portions of Florida and the southeastern United States, which is expected to result in considerably significant urban flooding and flash flooding.
Rough surf and strong rip currents are currently affecting much of the gulf coast of Florida. A storm surge of as high as ten feet above normal is expected to contribute to the aforementioned significant flooding of portions of southwestern Florida.
Expect windy conditions to occur over much of the state of Florida. An isolated tornado is possible — especially in the area where landfall will occur and in southeastern Georgia.
Tropical Storm Debby is expected to weaken somewhat after landfall in northern Florida; but once it crosses southeastern Georgia, it is expected to briefly reemerge over the Atlantic Ocean before moving inland over the eastern coast of South Carolina.
Flight Waivers, Delays, and Cancellations
If you are traveling to or from Florida, expect delays and cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information pertaining to this tropical weather system which may adversely affect your travel plans. Better yet, postponing or canceling your trip might be a better option — no matter which mode of travel you plan on taking.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for deteriorating weather conditions and traffic problems.
Here are eleven airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of this tropical weather system:
- American Airlines has issued travel alerts for 15 airports in Florida for Saturday, August 3, 2024 through Monday, August 5, 2024; and Thursday, August 8, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Delta Air Lines has issued travel alerts for Valdosta in Georgia and seven airports in Florida for Saturday, August 3, 2024 through Monday, August 5, 2024; and Thursday, August 8, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- United Airlines has issued travel alerts for four airports in Florida for Saturday, August 3, 2024 through Monday, August 5, 2024; and Tuesday, August 13, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Southwest Airlines has issued travel alerts for:
- Six airports in Florida for Saturday, August 3, 2024 through Monday, August 5, 2024; and Monday, August 19, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Charleston, Jacksonville, Myrtle Beach, and Savannah for Monday, August 3, 2024 through Wednesday, August 7, 2024; and Wednesday, August 21, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- JetBlue Airways has issued travel alerts for nine airports in Florida for Saturday, August 3, 2024 through Monday, August 5, 2024; and Saturday, August 10, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Frontier Airlines has issued travel alerts for nine airports in Florida for Saturday, August 3, 2024 through Monday, August 5, 2024.
- Spirit Airlines has issued travel alerts for:
- Fort Myers and Tampa for Saturday, August 3, 2024 through Monday, August 5, 2024; and Monday, August 12, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Charleston and Myrtle Beach for Monday, August 5, 2024 through Wednesday, August 7, 2024; and Wednesday, August 14, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Allegiant Air has issued travel alerts for ten airports in Florida for Friday, August 2, 2024 through Monday, August 5, 2024.
- Breeze Airways has issued travel alerts for five airports in Florida for Sunday, August 4, 2024; and Sunday, August 18, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Silver Airways has issued travel alerts for five airports in Florida for Saturday, August 3, 2024 through Tuesday, August 6, 2024; and Saturday, August 10, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Air Canada has issued travel alerts for Orlando and Tampa for Sunday, August 4, 2024 through Monday, August 5, 2024.
Final Boarding Call
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
The outer bands of Tropical Storm Debby approach Tampa Bay. Photograph ©2024 by Brian Cohen.
