A developing tropical storm will hit Bahamas and southern Florida this weekend, according to Accuweather.
The storm, currently dubbed 99L, is currently moving just north of the large islands of the Caribbean.
“We expect 99L to become Tropical Depression Eight and then Tropical Storm Hermine at any time over the next few days,” said AccuWeather hurricane expert Dan Kottlowski.
The storm, currently about 600 miles southeast of Miami, has already brought tropical storm-force wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph over some of the northern Caribbean islands and surrounding waters.
Accuweather said before reaching Florida, it will bring a threat of flash flooding, mudslides and rough surf and seas to the Turks and Caicos, Cuba and the southern and central Bahamas into Friday and this weekend.
"This has the potential to be a life-threatening situation due to the heavy rain, flooding and mudslide risk in the short term,” Kottlowski said.
It said even if 99L isn’t officially upgraded to Hermine, weather and sea conditions will deteriorate over southern Florida and the Florida Keys on Sunday.
"The frequency and strength of rip currents and breakers will increase and will pose a threat to bathers," it said.
"How dangerous conditions become in terms of storm surge and winds will depend on how quickly the system can gain strength."
There is also a risk of power cuts and property damage due to high winds and flooding.
