A major hurricane expected to develop on the Gulf Coast could hit Florida by the middle of next week as a Category 2 storm, according to forecasters. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has designated the system in the central Caribbean Sea as Tropical Depression 19.

Tampa Bay forecasters say it’s too early to tell where the storm will go, but urged residents to keep an eye on forecasts.

A new tropical depression formed in the Caribbean on Thursday as storm-weary Florida watches with bated breath.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The National Hurricane Center said Tropical Storm Sara formed in the Caribbean on Thursday, and long-term forecast models show it could enter the Gulf of Mexico and turn toward Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Tropical Storm Sara formed this afternoon and threatens to bring "life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides" to Honduras throughout the weekend, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center. A turn toward Florida is still possible, forecasters said.