A tropical disturbance could become a hurricane and threaten Florida and the Gulf Coast in the next few days, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The National Hurricane Center warned Floridians there was a 70 percent chance of tropical storm system Invest 99L turning into a tropical cyclone over the next five days.
If the storm strengthens to a named storm, it would be the eighth named storm of the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season. The disturbance would be known as Hermine if it is upgraded to a named storm.
Parts of South and Central Florida could be at risk for heavy rainfall, potential flooding and rip currents late this weekend and throughout early next week.
The storm was located southeast of the Turks and Caicos Islands Thursday morning, but there is no definitive route of circulation for the storm at this point.
“Right now, the system is still somewhat disorganized, and its specific track and level of intensity remain uncertain,” said Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management Bryan Koon. “I encourage everyone to have a plan in place for yourself, your family, and your workplace or business, and be prepared to follow your plan should this event impact your area.”
On Friday. Gov. Rick Scott warned Floridians to be watchful, cautious and to prepare for the storm in case it does head to Florida.
“We must always be prepared for a storm before landfall,” Scott warned Floridians. “Now is the time to gather supplies and ensure our families, homes and businesses are fully prepared for any potential storm impact.”
The governor also touched on the possibility of dealing with standing water, which could amplify the effects of the Zika virus. The Zika virus, which is frequently spread by mosquitoes, has already spread throughout Florida in recent weeks, especially in South Florida.
Standing water is a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes since the insect likes to lay eggs in and around standing bodies of water. Gov. Scott said the state would continue to dump standing water to combat the virus.
State officials also advised Floridians to get to the polls or mail their ballots before Tuesday in case the storm makes landfall.
While it is too premature to determine if voters will be impacted by adverse weather conditions, I encourage all Florida voters who have not voted by mail to get ahead of any possible weather disturbances by voting early,” said Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner.
All 67 Florida counties are offering early voting through Saturday, and an additional 10 counties will offer an additional day of voting Sunday.
The NHC is monitoring the progress of the storm while it continues to develop and expects to have a more accurate estimate of the system’s track and level of intensity once it passes through the Bahamas in the next 24-48 hours.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
