Is another hurricane coming to Florida? Models back off intensity

On the heels of Hurricane Helene’s devastating landfall in Florida, the National Hurricane Center is watching another system in the Caribbean Sea that has the potential to impact the state.While it’s too early to know the exact path or intensity of the system, the NHC says interests along the Gulf Coast of the United States should monitor the progress of this disturbance over the next week or so.Video below: Meteorologist Eric Burris tracks Caribbean disturbance that may impact FloridaCurrently, a trough of low pressure is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the southwestern Caribbean, but the NHC says environmental conditions could support some gradual development as the system moves northwestward into the Gulf of Mexico.According to the NHC, a tropical depression could form toward the end of this week or this weekend. While most major models agree on the system moving toward Florida after that, they have really backed off intensity. No models are hinting at the development of a hurricane or anything major. Formation chances remain pretty low for now, holding at just 10% in the next 48 hours and 40% in the next seven days — a decrease from previous advisories. Regardless of development, Floridians should prepare for a rainy weekend. As models fluctuate back and forth in regards to path and intensity, it’s important to take the data loosely. If the system develops, models will become more consistent and accurate, giving officials a better idea of direction and strength. For now, that data is not available.This Caribbean disturbance is threatening Florida less than a week after Hurricane Helene slammed the Big Bend region as a monster Category 4 storm. Many Florida residents are still recovering from intense flooding, damaging storm surge and extreme wreckage from winds topping 140 mph.>> Chopper 2 video shows extensive Hurricane Helene damage in St. Pete Beach, Tampa Bay, Fort Myers>> Photos, videos show Helene’s eerie approach, intense impacts and devastating aftermath in FloridaAs the peak of hurricane season continues, the NHC is monitoring several systems, including Kirk and Invest 91-L. Click here for the latest. Related: WESH 2 Hurricane Survival Guide 2024Related: Surviving the Season | 2024 Hurricane Special from WESH 2First Warning WeatherStay with WESH 2 online and on-air for the most accurate Central Florida weather forecast.RadarSevere Weather AlertsDownload the WESH 2 News app to get the most up-to-date weather alerts.The First Warning Weather team includes First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi, Eric Burris, Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda and Cam Tran.