Emilia strengthens to Cat 2 in Pacific

Out in the Pacific, Hurricane Emilia has strengthened to a Category Two storm far off the coast of Mexico but is not posing a threat to land.

The hurricane's maximum sustained winds at noon today were near 100 mph (160 kph) with additional strengthening expected, according to the Associated Press.

Emilia is centered about 710 miles south of the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California and is moving west-northwest at 12 mph.

Meanwhile, farther west over the Pacific, Hurricane Daniel had maximum sustained winds near 85 mph.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/07/08/4107703/emilia-could-become-hurricane.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

Debby cleanup begins; beaches take a beating

Now that Debby is gone, the real work of cleanup and beach restoration has begun.

As The Herald's Sara Kennedy reports in Thursday's editions, the storm ate away at beaches across the region.

Homeowners, business owners and government officials are evaluating damage that the storm inflicted on the area’s glistening beaches.

Asked how recovery might happen and how long it might take, Manatee County Director of Natural Resources Charlie Hunsicker, put it bluntly: “Under natural conditions, we won’t get it all back, and it’ll take a long time,” he said Wednesday.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is also assessing damage to structures and the beach dune system, and offering assistance.

Debby's now just a tropical depression

The National Weather Service's 8 p.m. advisory made it official -- Debby has been downgraded from a tropical storm to a tropical depression. 

Even though all tropical storm warnings in the state have been discontinued, tidal flooding is still a possibility through Wednesday.

The news should help Florida Power and Light restore electricity to more than 1,000 customers scattered throughout Manatee County without power.

For those plotting the storm:

Location at 8 p.m.: 29.5N, 83.1W, about 25 miles north of Cedar Key. Maximum sustained winds were 35 mph. It was moving east-northeast at 6 mph.

TS Debby only 85 miles from Cedar Key

As of 6 a.m. today, Tropical Storm Debby was located 85 miles west of Cedar Key, Florida and moving east at 3 mph. Bay News 9 has an updated graphic here from 7:42 a.m.

FEMA issued the following precautions and tips:

Flooding and storm surge is a major threat during tropical storms and hurricanes. The excessive rain from Tropical Storm Debby has caused flooding in many Florida counties, along with widespread power outages. The tips below can help you and your family or business stay safe during and after Tropical Storm Debby.

·        Turn Around, Don’t Drown. If you see a flooded roadway, turn around and take another route. Take your time when travelling.

·        Avoid Standing Water. Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts.

·        Wash Your Hands. Stay as clean as possible by washing your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.

·        Don’t Wait to Evacuate. Follow instructions from local officials by staying tuned to local media for evacuation or sheltering and take action immediately.

·        Use flashlights, not candles. Ensure your family has enough flashlights and batteries in the case of a power outage. Candles create a fire hazard and should be avoided.

·        Avoid Downed Power Lines. If you see a downed power line, assume it is live and contact the utility. Do not try to handle it yourself.

·        Follow Beach Warning Flags. If you go to the beach, pay attention to the warning flags and do not swim if beaches are closed. Tropical storms, including Debby, increase the risk of dangerous rip currents.

BN9 reports dramatic shift in Debby

A dramatic shift in Tropical Storm Debby's track now has it heading northeast, toward Central Florida. Debby's latest projected path now has it moving into Marion County by Friday.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/06/25/4091419/shift-in-track-has-tropical-storm.html#storylink=cpy

Tropical Storm Debby is dallying

Tropical Storm Debby is dallying in the northern Gulf of Mexico, continuing to thrash Manatee County with rain bands harboring tornadoes, heavy rain and high wind, as Sara Kennedy reports in her story here. 

Stay tuned for an update from Manatee County officials, who are holding a news conference at this writing at the local weather center.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/06/25/4091249/forecast-upgraded-to-tropical.html#storylink=cpy

Debby arrives; Atlantic season off to a fast start

Tropical Storm Debby formed Saturday afternoon in the Gulf and it seems she's trying to make up her mind on which way to travel.

Siting practically still about 220 miles south of Louisiana, the storm is expected to eventually head northwest, and away from Florida.

Manatee County is still going to get its share of rain, however. The extended forecast calls for at least a 50-60 percent chance of rain through Friday.  
 
It's a quick start to the 2012 season. As The Associated Press pointed out, it was the first time four tropical storms have been recorded before July 1 during the Atlantic hurricane season since record keeping began in 1851.

Of course, what that actually means for the rest of the year is anyone's guess. So finish getting that hurricane kit together. And keep checking www.bradenton.com for the latest news.