Video Credit - Darryl Dorn

Tropical Storm Debby brings heavy rain, flood threat to Bradenton and Manatee County

Tropical Storm Debby is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to become a hurricane by Sunday night before a predicted landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Monday.
Bradenton and Manatee County are experiencing heavy rains, wind gusts and flash flooding on Sunday as the storm moves north. As of 8 p.m., Debby was 100 miles west of Tampa with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph.
While Manatee County remains outside Debby’s predicted direct path, officials are urging residents to stay alert as the storm’s bands move across the region.
“Residents and visitors need to understand this is going to be a long process,” Manatee County Public Safety Director Jodie Fiske said in a Sunday morning update.
In Manatee County, tropical storm conditions are expected to persist overnight and possibly into Monday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
As of 8 p.m., tropical storm force winds extended about 140 miles from the storm’s center.

Sharing video on his X Darrly Writes - Moments ago on Bradenton Beach . Video shows heavy rains and winds


Officials: Stay inside, don’t drive in storm
During a noon press conference on Sunday, local officials urged residents to stay inside and take storm threats seriously.
“Tropical Storm Debby has slowed down a bit, and she is getting stronger,” Fiske said. “Do not underestimate it. This is not just a regular afternoon thunderstorm.”
“Do not go out during the storm,” Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said.