If you haven’t checked your storm supplies lately, now would be a good time to do it. A tropical storm watch has been issued for several counties including Polk. 

A tropical storm watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. It would be raised to a tropical storm warning if conditions are expected within 36 hours.

The forecast at 8 p.m. Friday shows Potential Tropical Cyclone Four having its greatest impact on Lakeland on Sunday. | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Timing: The NWS forecast for Lakeland predicts a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms today and an 80% chance tomorrow. Potential tropical storm conditions would arrive Sunday, with a 90% chance of rain and an east-southeast wind of 11 to 16 mph in the morning, increasing to 23 to 28 mph in the afternoon. 

The risks: The most recent advisory from the National Weather Service at 5:43 p.m. said the potential impacts are limited.

  • The biggest concern is moderate flooding. Up to 8 inches of rain may fall in a short time, causing vulnerable structures and low-lying areas to collect water.
  • Much of the state will see cumulative rainfall of 12 inches over the next seven days on already-saturated ground.
  • Winds may be only slightly stronger than the rainstorms our area has experienced almost daily for the past month, but tree limbs and unsecured items could be blown around.
  • Driving conditions could become hazardous from flooding and debris. 
  • There may be scattered power outages.
  • Tornadoes are not expected.
A graphic by AccuWeather shows Lakeland getting 4 to 8 inches of rain from the likely tropical storm. | AccuWeather

Storm track: The weather system is currently over eastern Cuba and
the southeastern Bahamas with sustained winds of 30 mph. It is too soon to know its exact track or intensity, but the storm is expected to cross the Gulf of Mexico and then move over Florida diagonally from the southwest to the northeast. The strongest impacts are expected to be on the Gulf coast, with winds of 40 to 50 mph.

The NOAA Hurricane Hunters, based at Lakeland Linder International Airport, are expected to fly into the weather system this afternoon.

No name yet: For now, the weather system is Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. If it strengthens, with sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, it would be known as Tropical Storm Debby.

Sandbags: Polk County is opening seven sandbag distribution sites on Saturday only from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. including:

A maximum of 10 sandbags will be provided to each household address. Be prepared to show a driver’s license to prove local residency.

Closures and cancellations: The following are cancellations announced so far, but is a good idea to check with organizers before heading out this weekend.

  • The “Back to School”-themed First Friday event in downtown Lakeland has been postponed from this evening to Friday, Aug. 9.
  • Saturday’s Police Athletic League car wash will be rescheduled. Tickets will be honored at the yet-unannounced date.
  • The Southwest Florida Water Management District will close all district-managed campgrounds and trails at 11 a.m. Saturday. It is also canceling all camping reservations through Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Storm preparation: Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30. All Florida residents are encouraged to have supplies including flashlights, batteries and at least three days’ worth of nonperishable food for family members and pets. You can sign up for emergency notifications through AlertPolk. 

State of emergency: Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a preemptive state of emergency for 54 of the state’s 67 counties on Thursday, and then added seven more counties Friday. Among other things, the declaration enables local jurisdictions to activate shelters, order evacuations and impose curfews if needed. It also allows people to refill prescriptions early and lets health practitioners from other states operate in Florida temporarily.

Price gouging hotline: Attorney General Ashley Moody activated the state’s price gouging hotline for emergency items like generators, food, gasoline, plywood, hotel rooms, ice and water. To report suspected price gouging, visit MyFloridaLegal.com or call (866) 9NO-SCAM.

FL sales tax holidays: A back-to-school sales tax holiday is currently in effect from July 29 to Aug. 11. There will be a disaster preparedness sales tax holiday from Aug. 24 to Sept. 6.

SEND CORRECTIONS, questions, feedback or news tips: newstips@lkldnow.com

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Cindy's reporting for LkldNow focuses on Lakeland city government. Previously, she was a crime reporter, City Hall reporter and chief political writer for newspapers including the Albuquerque Journal and South Florida Sun-Sentinel. She spent a year as a community engagement coordinator for the City of Lakeland before joining LkldNow in 2023. Reach her at cindy@lkldnow.com or 561-212-3429.

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