Florida prepares for the threat of Hurricane Debby and possible devastating floods.

The weather situation in Florida is generating growing concern among residents and authorities, as Tropical Depression Four, currently located 65 km southeast of Havana, Cuba, has been strengthening and is expected to become Tropical Storm Debby in the coming hours. Projections indicate that Debby could reach hurricane status upon landfall, specifically in the Big Bend region, an area that is still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Idalia last August. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued hurricane warnings for parts of Florida, warning that the storm will make landfall as a strong tropical storm on Monday morning. The alerts cover the entire western coast of the state, including major cities like Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples. This represents a new threat to a state that has faced significant challenges over the past year due to extreme weather events. According to the latest weather reports, Tropical Depression Four has reached sustained winds of 56 km/h and is moving west-northwest at 24 km/h. As it moves toward the Big Bend region, it is expected to pass over warm waters that could further intensify its winds and potentially turn it into a hurricane. Tropical storm conditions could begin to be felt on Saturday night, prompting residents to prepare for a complicated weekend. The main concern for meteorologists is flooding, which could be triggered both by storm surge and the heavy rainfall that is forecasted. The storm is expected to bring between 155 and 300 millimeters of rain to various areas of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, increasing the risk of flash and urban flooding. This phenomenon has been considered more dangerous in recent decades, as rain-induced flooding has become the leading cause of storm-related deaths. Meteorological experts have warned that the warming of waters, a result of climate change and fossil fuel pollution, is intensifying the strength of storms. The NHC has noted that the warming waters of the Gulf of Mexico will provide additional "fuel" for the storm to strengthen, raising the likelihood of Debby becoming a hurricane before making landfall. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 54 of the 67 counties in the state, mobilizing resources for preparation ahead of the impending storm. Local authorities are urging residents to stay informed about weather conditions, heed evacuation orders, and prepare supply kits to face the situation. In Citrus County, voluntary evacuation orders have been issued for low-lying areas and for those residing in structures that cannot withstand sustained winds of up to 100 km/h. The concern is not only about the strength of the storm but also about how long it will remain over coastal areas, which could result in devastating flooding. As the storm heads toward the state, the system is expected to slow down once it makes landfall, thereby increasing the risk of flooding in the affected areas. The storm is projected to continue its trajectory northeast, crossing parts of northern Florida and southern Georgia. This slowdown could lead to repeated episodes of heavy rainfall, with totals potentially exceeding 254 mm in some areas, raising the risk of severe flooding. In light of these warnings, communities in Florida are taking preventive measures. The distribution of sandbags to protect properties has begun in various areas, and residents are being urged to ensure their emergency supplies are ready. Meteorologists continue to closely monitor the storm's path and update information as the situation develops. The impact of climate change on the intensity and duration of tropical storms is a topic of increasing interest and concern. Researchers have documented that global warming has increased rainfall rates in tropical storms, which could be a determining factor in the severity of weather phenomena in the future. This has led to a call to action to address issues related to climate change and its effect on extreme weather. As Hurricane Debby approaches the coasts of Florida, the nation's attention is focused on how residents are preparing to face potential disasters. Authorities continue to urge the public to take alerts seriously and be ready to act should the storm bring dangerous conditions. Florida's recent experience with hurricanes has made one thing clear: preparation and swift response are key to minimizing the impact of these increasingly frequent and severe natural events.