### Developing Storm in Gulf of Mexico Threatens Florida with Heavy Rains

Residents of Florida are bracing for a deluge as a storm system forming in the Gulf of Mexico is projected to bring substantial rainfall to the state starting Sunday and lasting well into the next week. Forecasters are monitoring the system closely; it remains uncertain whether it will escalate to a named tropical storm or even a low-end hurricane.

The National Hurricane Center has indicated that, regardless of whether the system undergoes tropical or subtropical development, Florida will experience significant rainfall beginning late this weekend. AccuWeather’s chief on-air meteorologist Bernie Rayno emphasized that while the precise trajectory and strength of the storm are still undecided, Florida is poised to face substantial impacts. “The storm’s intensity could vary from a sprawling tropical rainstorm to potentially a full-blown hurricane,” Rayno said.

Current forecasts suggest that parts of the Florida Peninsula could face rainfall amounts ranging from several inches to over a foot, particularly from Interstate 4 south to the Keys. In extreme scenarios, some locations could receive up to 30 inches of rain. The National Weather Service in Miami has alerted residents that even less organized systems can cause significant disruptions, highlighting that a lack of central pressure or maximum winds does not translate to decreased impacts.

AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva pointed out that there's a potential window for the system to strengthen if it develops in the southwestern Gulf and moves towards the Florida Peninsula. However, the National Hurricane Center has moderated expectations, indicating that a tropical or subtropical depression or storm could possibly form by early to mid-next week.

University of Miami meteorologist Brian McNoldy echoed a similar sentiment, noting that several models predict a weak low-pressure center over southern or central Florida by Tuesday into Wednesday, which could possibly escalate to a low-end tropical storm. If the storm becomes significant enough to earn a name, it will be called Milton.

Though rain is expected to be the primary concern, with Central and South Florida experiencing heavy downpours between Sunday and Tuesday, meteorologists are not ruling out the possibility of other weather hazards.

Meanwhile, far out in the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Kirk and Tropical Storm Leslie remain active but are not immediate threats to the U.S. mainland. Large swells from Kirk might, however, cause dangerous surf and rip currents along the East Coast by Sunday. Kirk is expected to weaken by early next week, but its remnants could still affect parts of western Europe. Tropical Storm Leslie is anticipated to reach hurricane strength by Saturday, although it currently poses no threat to land.