TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- There are a few areas in the tropics being watched at this time.
Tropical Storm Gordon is continuing on a west-northwest track at 17 mph. This system is expected to strengthen before making landfall as it travels over warm Gulf waters. It is forecast to hit hurricane strength just before reaching the coast of Mississippi late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
Maximum sustained winds are near 65 mph and extend 80 miles out from the storm's center. Localized flooding, a few severe thunderstorms, and gusty winds are the main threat with Tropical Storm Gordon on Tuesday into Wednesday. In addition, storm surge in coastal areas is a concern.
Out in the open Atlantic, Tropical Storm Florence is expected to strengthen from midweek into the weekend. The upper-level wind pattern will be more favorable for development and the storm will be traveling over warm sea surface temperatures.
The system is expected to continue traveling to the west-northwest for the next 3 days. From day 4 and beyond, there is some disagreement between models about where it will travel.
Just behind Florence, a wave just pushed off the coast of Africa a few hundred miles to the southeast of the Cabo Verde Islands. Since environmental conditions are conducive for development, the storm is likely going to become a tropical depression by this weekend.
