State of emergency issued in Florida, 90% chance of named storm developing

A disturbance near Haiti is taking aim at Florida and could strengthen to a tropical depression or tropical storm this weekend.

It has a 60% chance of developing into a named storm over the weekend and a 90% chance of developing into a named storm over the next seven days. If this strengthens to a named storm, it would be called Debby.

Regardless of how strong the potential storm will be, it's forecast to bring up to 6 inches of rain to Florida and choppy surf to the Gulf Coast this weekend.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in 54 counties.

A tropical storm warning is in effect in Florida, from East Cape Sable to Bonita Beach.

Coastal areas of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina will also likely see tropical downpours and possible flooding.

There's still uncertainty as to the path this potential storm may take. As of Friday, the forecast shows the storm moving parallel to Florida's west coast on Saturday, then turning to the east on Sunday, cutting across central Florida before emerging in the Atlantic late on Sunday.

If the storm stays farther to the west, the Florida Panhandle may see heavy rain and gusty winds.

Heading into next week, the path is not as clear, but some computer models have the storm strengthening and staying close to the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina.

If this storm rapidly strengthens off the coast of the Carolinas, wind and storm surge would become more of a threat.

Atlantic hurricane season ramps up throughout August and typically peaks in September.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-average hurricane season this year. NOAA scientists predict between 17 and 25 named storms, compared to an average of 14; between eight and 13 hurricanes, compared to an average of seven; and between four and seven major hurricanes, compared to an average of three.