Zeta began its move towards the Yucatan peninsula Monday, and is expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico afterwards.
The system is expected to move towards a northern Gulf Coast landfall by mid-week, either at or near hurricane strength. The National Hurricane Center said there is increasing risk of storm surge, rainfall and wind impacts from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.
"Residents in these areas should monitor the progress of Zeta and updates to the forecast," a forecaster said.