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FLORIDA - A newly forming storm, expected to become Hurricane Sara, could hit Florida as a Category 3 hurricane by the middle of next week.
Currently designated as "Potential Tropical Cyclone 18," the system is moving westward in the Caribbean and is projected to develop into Tropical Storm Sara on Thursday.
As of Wednesday afternoon, it was centered 460 miles east of Isla Guanaja, Honduras.
A hurricane watch is in effect for Honduras, and a tropical storm watch has been issued for Nicaragua.
The storm is forecast to bring up to 30 inches of rain to parts of northern Honduras, with heavy rains also expected in Jamaica and Central America through early next week.
Forecasters warn of catastrophic flooding, especially in regions with steep terrain in Honduras and Nicaragua.
Meteorologists at AccuWeather predict the storm could strengthen into a Category 3 hurricane over the weekend, fueled by unusually warm Caribbean waters and record-high temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico.
However, the storm's ultimate intensity and path remain uncertain, as its interaction with Central America and regional weather patterns will play a significant role in its development.
Sara marks the latest challenge in a relentless Atlantic hurricane season that has already claimed 326 lives and caused $120 billion in damages.
If Sara becomes the season's sixth hurricane to make landfall along the Gulf Coast, it would tie the record set in 1886 for the most Gulf hurricane landfalls in a single season.
Already, 2024 is tied with 2005 and 2020 for the second-most Gulf landfalls on record.
November hurricanes are rare, with only three on record affecting the U.S. — in 1861, 1935, and Hurricane Kate in 1985.
Forecasters urge residents in Florida and along the Gulf Coast to monitor the storm closely as it continues to develop.