The National Hurricane Center said Monday afternoon a potential tropical cyclone in the northwestern Caribbean could be the next named system soon.
The forecasted path for what is expected to be Helene takes it into the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday on a course towards Florida.
Models suggest the storm could quickly strengthen into a major category 3 hurricane as it approaches landfall.
Residents along the northeastern Gulf coast -- including the Panhandle and west coast of Florida -- are being advised to closely monitor the system over the next several days.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency.