Tropical Storm Debby is expected to bring “life-threatening” storm surge to Florida in the coming days. Although the storm won’t make landfall until Monday, strong winds could produce tornadoes in southwest Florida tonight.

Parts of Florida’s Gulf Coast are expected to receive up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) of rainfall and storm surge of up to 6 feet (2 meters) through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Tropical Storm Debby is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane when it makes landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Monday.

“This rainfall will likely result in areas of significant flooding and urban flooding, with significant river flooding expected,” the NWS warns.

Several watches and warnings were issued across Florida on Saturday as Tropical Storm Debby strengthens and approaches the state.

A warning indicates that residents should take immediate protective measures, while a caution means that residents should prepare for extreme weather events.

Hurricane Warning: The Gulf Coast of Florida from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River

Hurricane warning: The coast of Florida west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass; the coast of Florida east of the Suwannee River to Yankeetown.

Tropical Storm Warning: The Florida Keys west of the Seven Mile Bridge, including the Dry Tortugas; West coast of the Florida Peninsula, from south of the Suwannee River to East Cape Sable.

Tropical Storm Warning:The Florida Keys north of the Seven Mile Bridge to the Channel 5 Bridge; the Florida coast west of Indian Pass to Mexico Beach.

Storm surge warning: Aripeka, Florida north to Indian Pass

Storm surge warning: Bonita Beach north to Aripeka, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor

The National Weather Service has issued several warnings for all of Florida as Tropical Storm Debby approaches.

A warning, such as a hurricane warning or storm surge warning, means that residents should take immediate protective measures.

“A warning means that weather conditions pose a threat to life or property,” the NWS writes.

Meanwhile, a watch means residents should prepare for extreme weather. These can be issued when meteorologists do not know the exact timing and severity of the event.

“People should have a plan of action in case a storm threatens and should listen to later information and possible warnings, especially when planning travel or outdoor activities,” the NWS wrote.

According to Dr. Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, dangerous storm surge is expected as Tropical Storm Debby approaches Florida.

The storm is likely to make landfall on Monday as a Category 1 hurricane.

“So if you live in a storm surge evacuation zone in this region along the Florida Big Bend coast, please listen to any advice you get from your local officials,” Brennan warned. “Know that if you are told to evacuate, you need to know where you are going and how you are going to get there. Remember, in many cases you only have to drive a few dozen miles inland to get out of the storm surge evacuation zone hazard area.”

The storm is expected to weaken as it makes landfall, potentially causing severe flooding.

“That will not only increase the risk of rainfall, but also the potential for storm surges and high winds,” Brennan said of the fading storm.

City of Clearwater, Florida, workers prepare Clearwater Beach for Tropical Storm Debby as it threatens the state’s Gulf Coast.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for most counties in the state as Tropical Storm Debby approaches.

The storm could even strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane as it moves across the Sunshine State.

The Florida Keys and southwest Florida could see tornadoes Saturday night as Tropical Storm Debby approaches the state.

“We do have a risk of tornadoes and some of those rain bands, particularly later today and tonight, as the center of the system moves toward the Gulf of Mexico,” Dr. Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, said Saturday.

The system is expected to strengthen to a Category 1 hurricane in the coming days when it makes landfall in Florida.