ORLANDO, Fla. _ Dangerous storm surge and tropical storm force winds are expected along portions of the northern Gulf Coast later Friday and Friday night after potential Tropical Cyclone 16 became better organized overnight, the National Hurricane Center said in its 8 a.m. update.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect for parts of Florida on Friday morning as the tropical system with a 90% chance of development continues marching northeast toward the Panhandle.
"Possible Tropical Cyclone" 16 has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, but lacks the organization necessary to be classified as a tropical storm, the NHC said.
If it does find organized circulation the storm will take the name of "Nestor."
It is expected to become a tropical or subtropical storm later Friday.
Moving toward the panhandle at 21 mph, it is located about 305 miles south-southwest of the Mississippi River as of the 8 a.m. Friday update.
The system could make landfall by Saturday, the NHC said.
A tropical storm warning was issued Thursday from the Mississippi-Alabama border to Yankeetown, Florida.
A storm surge warning was added for Florida communities from Indian Pass to Clearwater Beach, said NHC branch chief Michael Brennan.
Indian Pass could see 3 to 5 feet in rising water levels, the NHC said. Clearwater Beach could see a rise of 2 to 4 feet.
"This is a life-threatening situation," Brennan said. "Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions."
One possible projection has the storm making landfall just south of Mexico Beach, about 20 miles south from where Category 5 Hurricane Michael made landfall last year.
Much of Mexico Beach is still devastated. About 75% of the city was destroyed, said Mexico Beach Mayor Al Cathey. The surrounding areas are also facing huge challenges in recovery.
The major roadway of the area, U.S. Highway 98, remains closed.
Gov. Ron DeSantis took to Twitter to remind residents that now is the time to prepare for possible disaster situations.
The system is in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, where the environment is favorable for tropical maturity, and further strengthening is expected later Friday.
