On Friday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center increased the odds to 50% for a tropical depression or storm to form in the gulf.

"While the exact track and intensity of the feature unfolding in the gulf have yet to be determined, Florida will bear the brunt this time around," AccuWeather chief on-air meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. "At this time, the intensity will range from a sprawling tropical rainstorm to perhaps a strike from a more compact, full-blown hurricane."

For much of the southern and central Florida Peninsula, a broad 4 to 8 inches of rain, with localized 12 inch totals, appears likely.