In a worst-case scenario for the U.S., a major hurricane could hit Florida's Gulf coast, but forecasters say it would have to clear several hurdles.

Tampa Bay forecasters say it’s too early to tell where the storm will go, but urged residents to keep an eye on forecasts.

The National Hurricane Center began advisories Wednesday on a system it forecasts to become the season’s next tropical depression or storm. Long-range forecast models predict it will intensify into a hurricane and threaten Florida by the middle of next week.