Debby was only a tropical storm Sunday as it passed by over the Gulf of Mexico, bringing a maximum wind gust of 64 mph at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. However, the storm also brought historic rain and flooding that will be remembered for many years.
So what was the extraordinary weather phenomena and unique atmospheric conditions led to Hurricane Debby unleashing this historic downpour on Sarasota and Manatee counties, leaving meteorologists and residents alike in awe of nature’s power?
Debby was more than 100 miles west of the Sarasota coast as it moved through the region over the weekend, but it left a mark. When you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that it isn’t all that surprising in the warmer climate that we are experiencing.
Bob Bunting, CEO of the Climate Adaptation Center, told Sarasota Magazine that for every degree the Earth’s temperature rises, the atmosphere is able to hold 7 percent more water. “That’s just physics,” he says. At 1.7 degrees Celsius, that means the atmosphere is able hold close to 14 percent more water than during the pre-industrial era.
Flooding in Sarasota from Tropical Storm Debby on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024.Photo taken by Carl Fritsch.
“We feel this with the humidity, but when we get a storm, the air in this massive [atmospheric] area gets funneled into the storm and creates epic rain,” says Bunting. “When you think about it, all of the storms we’ve had in the last few years have tended to be excessive in terms of precipitation: Hurricane Ian, the El Niño-related storms in December, the unnamed storm on June 11 and now Hurricane Debby.”
Estimated rainfall totals from Hurricane Debby.
Debby’s rainfall on Sunday broke Sarasota’s daily record, previously set in August 2017.
Sarasota flooding Monday morning after Hurricane Debby moved through the region.
There’s a good reason for that, says Bunting. “The temperature of the Earth is now 1.7 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels,” he says.
Bunting points out that for every degree the Earth’s temperature rises, the atmosphere is able to hold 7 percent more water. “That’s just physics,” he says. At 1.7 degrees Celsius, that means the atmosphere is able hold close to 14 percent more water than during the pre-industrial era.
There’s also the issue of sea level rise. “Since 2010, the sea level in Sarasota has risen 5 inches,” Bunting says. “Since the 1950s, it’s risen 9 to 10 inches. That means that when you get even minor storm surge, it’s starting from a higher base. The land hasn’t changed—that’s where it’s always been. It’s the sea level that’s higher, and we don’t have the buffers we used to.”
Football field at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School flooded by Debby.
CAC commitment
By recognizing these threats and taking decisive action, we can work together towards our region for future generations while protecting our Florida way of life. The CAC is committed to this mission and helping our community with adaptation education and strategies and working with our leaders to adapt to our warming climate.
You can support us in helping us continue to this work by making a donation or becoming a member today.
Also, be sure to sign up for our free newsletter to get critical insights to threatening tropical storms and hurricanes below.