"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."

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

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