Governor Ron DeSantis, who issued a state of emergency to more than 50 counties in Florida, urged residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Debby even if they aren’t in its direct path.

“It is going to move very slowly across north Florida and southeast Georgia,” DeSantis said. “We already have saturation in those areas, so you are going to have a lot of flooding.”

“Just because you are not in the eye of the storm doesn’t mean you’re not going to have major, major effects,” he continued.

DeSantis also warned residents about the potential for power outages: “If you are in the path of the storm, assume that’s going to happen.”

As of Sunday morning, just 9,000 people across the state are without power — however, that number will likely rise as Debby approaches.

Tropical Storm Debby is expected to make landfall in Florida as a Category 1 hurricane on Monday.

The system is expected to bring up to 18 inches of rain and up to 10 inches of storm surge to the Sunshine State. Governor Ron DeSantis has placed more than 50 of Florida’s counties under a state of emergency as the storm approaches. He warned that residents should prepare for “pretty catastrophic” weather.

“Just because you are not in the eye of the storm doesn’t mean you’re not going to have major, major effects,” DeSantis said on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, up to 30 inches of rain could hit Georgia and South Carolina through Friday, which the National Weather Service called “historic” levels for the region.

Tropical Storm Debby is set to hit Florida as a Category 1 hurricane tomorrow.

Clearwater, Florida city employees are preparing Clearwater Beach as Tropical Storm Debby threatens the state’s Gulf Coast.

Tropical Storm Debby is expected to bring “life-threatening” storm surge to Florida in the coming days. While the storm won’t make landfall until Monday, heavy winds could cause tornadoes in southwest Florida this evening.

Areas of Florida’s Gulf Coast are expected to see up to eighteen inches of rainfall and storm surge of up to seven feet through Monday, the National Weather Service forecasts.

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

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

Several warnings and watches have been issued throughout Florida on Saturday as Tropical Storm Debby strengthens and approaches the state.

A warning indicates residents should take immediate protective action, while a watch means residents should begin preparations for extreme weather.

Hurricane Warning: Florida’s Gulf Coast from the Suwannee River to the Ochlockonee River

Hurricane Watch: Florida coast west of the Ochlockonee River to Indian Pass; Florida coast 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 Watch: 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 northward to Indian Pass

Storm Surge Watch: Bonita Beach northward to Aripeka, including Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor

The National Weather Service has issued several watches and warnings throughout Florida as Tropical Storm Debby approaches.

A warning, such as a Hurricane Warning or Storm Surge Warning, means residents should take immediate protective action.

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

Meanwhile, a watch means residents should prepare for extreme weather. These may be issued when meteorologists don’t know the exact timing and severity of the event.

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