Debby Weakens As Storm Crosses Florida

Storm surge remains the biggest threat to the Tampa Bay area after Tropical Storm Debby made landfall Tuesday.

Forecasters cautioned that water levels at high tide could rise up to 3 feet above ground, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Even though Tampa Bay communities won't get the drenchings they've had since Debby was over the Gulf, water levels will remain elevated for "the next day or two," the National Hurricane Center said.

“With rain bands passing, these waters are ,” said Anthony Reynes, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Ruskin office. 

Flooding Forces Evacuation in Pasco

, as the Anclote and Pithlachascotee rivers flooded, and many of for Wednesday.

“Rains from Tropical Storm Debby have caused flooding above the 100-year flood level," county spokesman Eric Keaton wrote in a media release.

The American Red Cross and other agencies have been .

Local Damage

The effects of the storm

The city reported three residences were destroyed and three homes had major damage. Another eleven homes were affected or had minor damage, according to the fire department's report.

Local Forecast

Locally, wind gusts are expected to die down Wednesday. Debby is picking up speed but weakening as the storm cuts a path northeast across the Florida Peninsula, although it could gain strength once it reaches the Atlantic Ocean, which forecasters say could happen as early as Wednesday evening.

Here's a look at the Largo forecast for the rest of the week, from the National Weather Service:

• Wednesday: Rainy and hot. There's a 60% chance of rain, with a high of 89 and a heat index of up to 98. Winds will die down to 11-16 mph with higher gusts. 
• Thursday: Partly sunny, with a 30% chance of rain. High of 90, with a heat index of up to 98. Winds will calm to less than 10 mph.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, with a 30% chance of rain. High near 91.
• Weekend: Highs in the low 90s, with a 20% chance of rain.

Patch will continue to provide throughout hurricane season.

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