According to AccuWeather.com Chief Hurricane Meteorologist Joe Bastardi, a strong tropical wave could develop into the second tropical storm of the season, threatening Florida later on Thursday and through the weekend.

The tropical system, which is currently bringing strong winds and rough seas north of Puerto Rico, could become better organized in the next 48 hours, as it moves into an area more favorable for tropical development.

People in Southern Florida and the Bahamas should be on alert for a tropical storm to form this weekend and be ready to make preparations.

AccuWeather.com meteorologists are focusing on two potential scenarios.

The first depicts the storm developing, crossing Florida early in the weekend and entering the eastern Gulf of Mexico as a weaker system.

Impacts over the oil spill site in the central Gulf would be less than were caused by Hurricane Alex, which moved through the southern Gulf of Mexico in late June.

The second scenario depicts the system moving through the Florida Keys late in the week, developing into a stronger tropical storm or hurricane. If this were to happen, impacts to the spill site will be increased.

Regardless of either scenario, Florida will be impacted first before any effects reach the Gulf.

“The weather map on Saturday could be a summer classic,” said Bastardi. “A hot shot into the mid-Atlantic and a tropical system affecting Florida or the Gulf.”

If you have questions or want to speak to a meteorologist, contact:

Roberti@AccuWeather.com