Tropical Storm Debby crawling offshore in the Gulf

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Associated Press

Story Created: Sun Jun 24, 2012 5:40 AM

Story Updated: Sun Jun 24, 2012 5:40 AM

MIAMI — U.S. forecasters say Tropical Storm Debby is slowly trekking northward in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to strengthen.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says Debby has top sustained winds of 50 mph.
The hurricane center says the storm is expected to turn gradually westward while strengthening in the next 48 hours over the northern Gulf.
Although the track is still far from certain, forecasters say Debby could have near hurricane force winds early in the week and they urge caution all along the U.S. Gulf coast.
A tornado touched down in southwest Florida on Saturday and forecasters warn other twisters are possible.
Debby has already forced the suspension of 8 percent of the region's oil and gas production.