The entire Bay area is under a Tropical Storm and Tornado Watch until Monday morning as Tropical Storm Debby continues to churn off the coast of Florida.

There have been numerous reports of possible tornadoes indicated by witnesses and radar throughout the Bay area.

Coastal residents should be aware of flooding at high tide times.

As of 11 p.m., Debby has winds of 60 mph. On land, winds will be between 20 to 30 mph, with some higher gusts in the Bay area. The storm is kicking up seas between 12 and 15 feet.

According to Bay News 9 Meteorologist Diane Kacmarik, the forecast track remains unpredictable. "The exact track of Debby is highly uncertain," said Kacmarik. "However, here in the Bay area, regardless of Debby's exact track, we will continue with the potential of heavy rain through Tuesday along with gusty wind and minor coastal concerns."

Saturday's forecasted track for the storm suggested it would move toward Texas in five to six days. That model and a few others have shifted the storm to the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Other models now keep Debby closer to Florida.

Debby is forecast to move very little in the next 36 hours, continuing our local impact.

SANDBAGS AVAILABLE IN ST. PETERSBURG

Due to possible flood conditions from Tropical Storm Debby, the city of St. Petersburg is making sand bags available today from 3:30 to 8 p.m. and from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Northeast Park, 875 62nd Avenue NE (located at the Cardinal Drive entrance to
Mangrove Bay Golf Course).

Ten bags per vehicle are allowed. The city will issue bags for residents to fill with sand and load their own vehicles. (City staff will assist those unable to do so.) 

Residents with city-issued bags from previous storms are encouraged to bring them to refill. Residents are also asked to have identification verifying city residency - a Florida driver's license is preferred.

SANDBAGS AVAILABLE IN PASCO COUNTY

Sand and sandbags are available at:

*West Pasco Government Center, 7536 State St., New Port Richey
*7918 Rhodes Road, Hudson, Fire Station #10
*2952 Seven Springs Road, New Port Richey, Fire Station #17
*6907 Dairy Road, Zephyrhills, Fire Station#1

SANBAGS AVAILABLE IN GULFPORT

Due to prolong threat of tide surge, the City of Gulfport will provide sand at the north side of the City Hall parking lot at 2401 51st St. S.  Sand will be
available until the storm threat has been alleviated.

The city provides the sand, bags, shovels and a unit to help you fill the bags.

Sandbags available at Gulfport City Hall 2401 53rd St. S.

SANDBAGS AVAILABLE IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Sandbags will be available for Hillsborough County residents until 10:00 PM tonight, or while materials last.

The sandbags are available at the following locations:

  • West Service Unit. 9805 Sheldon Drive
  • South Service Unit - 7820 Big Bend Road in Gibsonton
  • Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station #4. 11826 Hwy 92. (Limited Supply)
  • Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Station #38. 9755 Sheldon Road

Filled sandbags will be available to the elderly/disabled. Sandbag materials will be available to those physically able to make their own. Additionally, each citizen will sign their name and provide their home address acknowledging the receipt of 25 sandbags or less.

  • Send your weather photos to: PhoneCam9@baynews9.com

The Bay News 9 Weather Experts will have LIVE reports as Debby continues to develop and impact our area.