Tracking the tropics: Tropical Depression 4 forms, continues track toward Florida

Heavy rainfall, tropical storm conditions and storm surge are possible for the Tampa Bay region from what's expected to be named Tropical Storm Debby this weekend, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The disturbance has strengthened into Tropical Depression 4 off the south coast of Cuba and is expected to become a tropical storm over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico by late Saturday, forecasters said.

Tropical Depression 4 is located about 260 miles south-southeast of Key West, Florida, and is moving to the west-northwest at 17 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's latest update.

The Tampa Bay region and much of Florida's west coast are within the hurricane center's cone of uncertainty, as seen below.

[stevenFL]

The Gulf of Mexico is 90 degrees, average. Let the good times roll. 🙂

[Bartetmedia]

It's a prediction anything can happen

[maryburton]

And here I thought we may have been spared I guess not.

[jamesjackson]

Was it Hugo that suddenly became very powerful just before hitting Acapulco?

[jameshines]

This is gonna be a hurricane. At least Cat. 3 at landfall.

[edgarchegwin]

Hi Natalie, hey there I dont know why but I got the feeling that baby is going to stall just north of the western tip of Cuba and into the gulf waters, I ll be watching what is going to happen next with it. rgs

[beverly]

Lighting candles and praying that lil’ Debbie doesn’t become Big Deborah.

[organixgirl]

It’s only august guys hurricane season ends in November

[ManChan-wp]

It's just a preview of things to come.

[MichaelMencher-hi]

Can't see this just being a Tropical storm. Easily Cat 2 or even 3 by Landfall.

[americanmoses]

Harp weather manipulation hard at work😢