Hurricane, tropical storm watches issued for Florida ahead of possible Category 3 hurricane

MIAMI — Hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge watches have been issued for portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine takes aim at Florida, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.

The storm that is expected to become a hurricane tomorrow could become a Category 3 hurricane with 115-mph winds by the time it makes landfall Thursday. “The potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging hurricane-force winds along the coast of the Florida Panhandle and the Florida west gulf coast is increasing,” the Hurricane Center said.

“Due to the forecast large size of this system, storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts will extend well away from the center, particularly on the east side. In addition, the fast forward speed while it crosses the coast will likely result in farther inland penetration of strong winds over parts of the southeastern United States after landfall,” the Hurricane Center advisory warned.