Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen has organized in the western Caribbean and is expected to be a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico later this week.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen has organized in the western Caribbean and is expected to be a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico later this week.
The National Hurricane Center declared the potential cyclone Sunday afternoon, with winds of 35 mph.
As it enters the southeastern Gulf, it is expected to become a tropical depression Sunday night, a tropical storm early Monday, and a Cat 1 hurricane early Wednesday.
Read: Girl, 13, airlifted to hospital after being ejected in Brevard County car crash, troopers say
A hurricane watch has been posted for the Cayman Islands, and a tropical storm warning has been issued for Jamaica.
Tropical Storm Watches are possible for parts of the Florida Keys Sunday night or on Monday.
The complex is expected to weaken as it moves north in the Gulf and will likely be near the northern Gulf coast on Friday.
Read: Troopers: Man dies after crashes into building in Orange County
While the system is expected to stay west of Central Florida, some impacts are possible including heavy rain and gusty winds.
There remains high uncertainty about the long-term direction of the system in the northern Gulf.
Stay with Channel 9 for the latest on this system.
Read: Traffic Alert: Multi-lane closure on I-4 due in Seminole County
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
