A tropical rainstorm approaching Florida this weekend is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm, bringing heavy rainfall, gusty thunderstorms, and potential flooding to the state.

A tropical rainstorm making landfall over Puerto Rico is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm as it approaches Florida this weekend, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.

As of Friday morning, the storm is located west of Hispaniola and is becoming more organized compared to earlier in the week, although it has not yet developed into a tropical depression or storm. The rainstorm is projected to move northward, passing over or near Cuba, where it is likely to be temporarily hindered by the terrain.

Forecasts indicate that conditions will become more favorable for the storm’s development as it moves into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. Warm waters, a moist atmosphere, and low wind shear could allow the storm to strengthen into a tropical storm or possibly a hurricane by Sunday evening.

Florida’s Gulf Coast is expected to begin experiencing impacts on Saturday. Heavy rainfall, gusty thunderstorms, and potential flooding in urban and low-lying areas are anticipated. The Florida Keys and southern Florida Peninsula will be the first to see these conditions, which will spread across the region throughout the weekend.

Coastal hazards, such as rip currents and waterspouts, are expected to increase, posing risks to beachgoers and mariners. The extent of the storm’s impact on Florida will depend on its track and speed of intensification. A quickly strengthening storm would likely bring concentrated wind and rain, while a slower-developing system could result in more widespread precipitation.

“Rain of varying intensity will occur over much of Florida with the likelihood of urban and low-lying area flooding in some locations,” a Friday morning AccuWeather report stated. “As the rainstorm approaches and begins to strengthen, rip currents will increase in strength and number along the Florida coastline this weekend.”

There is, however, a possibility that the storm could stall near the coast, leading to prolonged heavy rainfall and significant flooding, particularly in coastal areas, which could affect parts of Georgia and the Carolinas if the system slows down.