Miami, FL - Forecasters have warned that a tropical depression forming over Cuba is intensifying and is likely to bring heavy rain and coastal flooding to a large area of Florida's Gulf Coast. The storm, which developed into a tropical depression late Friday, is expected to reach tropical storm status by Saturday night, with maximum sustained winds of 39 mph or more. If it becomes a tropical storm, it will be named Debby, marking the fourth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.

As of Saturday morning, the circulation of the depression was centered near Havana, but its associated wind and thunderstorms extended over a wide region, including southern Florida, the Florida Keys, and the Bahamas. The National Hurricane Center in Miami predicts that the depression will strengthen as it curves northward off the southwest coast of Florida. The warm water temperatures in the area, reaching up to 92 degrees Fahrenheit this week, provide favorable conditions for further development.

According to current projections, the system is expected to make landfall as a strong tropical storm late Sunday or early Monday before crossing over northern Florida into the Atlantic Ocean. It is then likely to maintain tropical storm strength, posing a threat to Georgia and the Carolinas early next week. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for most of Florida's west coast and the Dry Tortugas, while a hurricane watch is in effect for parts of the Big Bend region, acknowledging the potential for the storm to become a hurricane prior to landfall.

With the storm's approach, concerns about flooding have risen. Forecasters are cautioning that the region may receive between 5 and 10 inches of rain, leading to flash and urban flooding. Moderate flooding is also expected along several rivers along Florida's West Coast. Additionally, areas along the Atlantic Coast from Jacksonville, Florida, to Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, could experience significant rainfall next week.

The flat terrain of Florida, coupled with the already elevated king tides along the coast, make the state susceptible to flooding even on sunny days. The storm surge is predicted to range from 2 to 5 feet along Florida's Gulf Coast, including Tampa Bay, with higher surges expected in the sparsely populated Big Bend region. In response to the potential danger, a storm surge warning has been issued for areas including Hernando Beach, Crystal River, Steinhatchee, and Cedar Key.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for most counties, stretching from the Florida Keys through Central Florida and the Tampa Bay region, all the way to the western Panhandle. Preparations have been underway since Tuesday, with residents filling sandbags to protect against possible flooding. Marina owners, like Christina Lothrop of Blue Pelican Marina in Hernando Beach, have been securing boats and taking preventive measures.

Despite the approaching storm, there is a sense of normalcy in some areas, with people launching boats and frequenting local establishments. However, residents and businesses alike remain vigilant and are taking precautions to minimize potential damage. Memories of the 2012 Tropical Storm Debby, which caused significant losses and claimed lives, are still fresh in the minds of many Floridians.

As the tropical depression strengthens, meteorologists will continue to closely monitor its progress and provide updates to ensure the safety of residents along the Gulf Coast and beyond.