Residents of Florida and the Southeast should prepare for the potential impacts of Tropical Cyclone 4, which is forecast to become Tropical Storm Debby later on Saturday and potentially a hurricane before making landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast on Monday, Aug. 5, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).
Debby will be the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and second landfalling cyclone this year following Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in Texas on July 8. Since 2000, three hurricanes have made landfalls in Florida during August: Charley (2004), Katrina (2005), and Idalia (2023).
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Hurricane Watch for Florida’s Big Bend region. Other areas of Florida are under Tropical Storm Warnings or a Tropical Storm Watch. In preparation for Debby’s impacts, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 54 of Florida’s 67 counties on Aug. 1. Following landfall in Florida, Debby is forecast to impact areas of Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia through midweek.
In its 11 a.m. EDT advisory Saturday, the NHC warned, “Heavy rainfall will likely result in locally considerable flash and urban flooding across portions of Florida and the coastal areas of the Southeast this weekend through Thursday morning (Aug. 8). River flooding is also expected.”
The NHC added, “Hurricane conditions are possible late Sunday in portions of the Florida Gulf Coast and Big Bend region where a Hurricane Watch is in effect. Tropical storm conditions are expected farther south along Florida’s west coast, including the Tampa Bay area, and in the Dry Tortugas where Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect.”
Further, “There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation along portions of the west coast of Florida from Aripeka to the Aucilla River. Life-threatening storm surge is possible west of Aucilla River to Indian Pass and south of Aripeka to Bonita Beach, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor.”
Debby could also spawn isolated tornadoes and generate widespread power outages.
The Triple-I offers preparedness tips for all residents in the path of Debby:
- Review your evacuation plan and your pet's evacuation plan if applicable.
- Ensure your hurricane kit includes a minimum 14-day supply of non-perishable food and drinking water (one gallon per person per day) for all family members and pets, as well as a two-week supply of medications.
- Write down the name and phone number of your insurer and insurance professional and keep this information either in your wallet or purse.
- Purchase emergency supplies such as batteries and flashlights.
- Fully charge your cell phones so you can receive weather alerts.
- Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters, and other materials that could become airborne due to high winds.
- Fill your vehicle’s gasoline tank.
Damage caused by hurricanes and tropical storms is covered under different insurance policies according to Triple-I:
- Wind-caused property damage is covered under standard homeowners’, renters’, and business insurance policies. Renters’ insurance covers possessions while landlords insure structures.
- Property damage from floods is generally covered under either FEMA National Flood Insurance Program policies or private flood policies if purchased by homeowners, renters or businesses.
- Private-passenger vehicles damaged or destroyed by wind or flooding are covered under optional comprehensive auto insurance policies; approximately 80% of U.S. drivers purchase comprehensive coverage.