Tracking the Tropics: Potential Tropical Cyclone expected to become a Category 3 hurricane

The National Hurricane Center says Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine formed Monday in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to become the season's next named depression or storm.

The NHC issued a cone Monday showing where forecast models expect the system to move. The Tampa Bay area is within the cone of uncertainty.

PTC 9 is expected to strengthen over the next few days. If it reaches 39 mph, it'll become a tropical storm and get the name Helene.

Tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches have been issued for parts of Mexico and Cuba. By Wednesday, it's expected to become a hurricane.

While there is still some uncertainty, models are in better agreement that the system will strengthen while moving northward over the Gulf of Mexico. Although it is too soon to specify the exact location and magnitude, areas along the Florida Gulf Coast should prepare for potential impacts from storm surge, heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Now is the time to make sure your hurricane kit is ready and up to date.

10 Tampa Bay is also monitoring a wave off the west coast of Africa for possible development. This tropical wave is bringing no threat to land or Florida at this time.

[mom-of-many]

Thank God it isn't hitting the same place as the last one. We will pray for you Florida.

[Nautilus]

Still dont fully know where its fully going but it seems to be moving fast.

[AlexanderStHill]

You weather people love when it turns into a hurricane don’t you 🤣

[paulmoorhead]

It's hardly even a storm yet. 20 mph winds ? And they have it a cat 3 ? Come on thought the weather channel was bad for this.

[francespelletier]

Seems like this storm is in the same place it was almost a week ago! I've been listening to the updates seems to me like a week! Doesn't seem to be budging.

[maripaul]

Jacksonville here! And we've got Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr on Saturday here in Jax. Wondering what it's looking like for Jacksonville? Forty years here so I'm pretty familiar after being through this many... Many times. Thanks for the update!

[micheleedwards]

God will protect us! Please have faith.

[bigearl]

So it's going to squeeze between Cuba and Mexico then eventually hit Florida big ben / pan handle 😂

[andrewluciani]

Sorry but I say bull you can not say how strong it will be for Thursday this is a technique of new to get your attention to something else instead of what's really happening

[wheatoncloud]

So "The closer it is, the more weather we'll get, and the further away it is, the less weather we'll get."

Hey 10 Tampa Bay, I'll do this guy's job for 20k less a year. Let's talk.

[louditalian]

A lot of BULL on this. They love to hype this for views, is not even a hurricane yet.

[Lloydski]

Its going right thru your front door Hazel stay tuned to us only we will save you... They get a gleam in their eye when disaster is on the way...

[jimabbey]

Here we go again! More Over hype and sensationalism!