Tropical Storm Debby heads toward Bradenton. Here’s what to expect in Manatee County

Tropical Storm Debby will drop lots of rain on the Bradenton area this weekend, forecasters say.

Meteorologists with the National Hurricane Center predict between 4 and 8 inches of rainfall in Manatee County, according to the latest forecast. Some areas could see more than 10 inches of rain, Jodie Fiske, Manatee County’s director of Public Safety, said in a Saturday afternoon update.

Manatee County remains outside the cone of uncertainty in the National Hurricane Center’s 8 p.m. Saturday update, however, the storm is still expected to bring heavy rain and wind gusts to the Bradenton area before making landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region around 2 p.m. Monday.

Heavy rainfall is expected to begin Saturday and last through Monday morning, the forecast says.

Those rain amounts could cause flash and urban flooding, as well as isolated river flooding, according to the National Hurricane Center’s latest report. The forecast also predicts up to 4 feet of peak storm surge along Manatee County’s coastline and Tampa Bay.

Manatee County officials have encouraged residents in coastal Zone A to evacuate from their homes. Two shelters — Nolan Middle School, 6615 Greenbrook Blvd., and Miller Elementary School, 601 43rd St. W., Bradenton — have opened as emergency shelters.

As of 8 p.m. Saturday, Manatee County’s coastal areas are under a tropical storm warning, which means tropical storm conditions are likely within the next 36 hours.

Local officials have declared a state of emergency and made free sandbags available for residents in low-lying areas to protect their homes from potential flooding.

This story was originally published August 2, 2024 at 1:03 PM.