SOUTHEAST of MIAMI - A new storm system has appeared on the horizon, and weather experts have already started predicting it may reach hurricane status and potentially impact south Florida.

Currently located about 1,600 miles southeast of Miami, the system, thus far known as “99L,” has the potential to bring gusty winds, showers, and thunderstorms to Florida by Sunday and Monday. On its way west-northwest through Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, 99L could gain enough strength to first become Tropical Depression Eight, Tropical Storm Hermine, and even potentially a hurricane by the end of the week.

The National Hurricane Center reports that this system has “a medium to high chance” of developing into at least a tropical depression or tropical storm over the next 2 to 5 days.

"99L has the potential to become very well-organized over the Bahamas, just east of Florida this weekend," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.

Provided 99L keeps some distance north of Hispaniola, there is the potential for significant strengthening, perhaps to a hurricane this weekend.

While the intensity of the storm will depend on how quickly 99L strengthens, according to AccuWeather, gusty showers, thunderstorms, and rough seas will continue spreading northwestward as it travels towards Florida.

AccuWeather warns that people along the southeast coast of Florida and the Florida Keys should be prepared for thunderstorms and rough seas and surf. With Kottlowski adding, “All people living and having interests in and around the Bahamas, Cuba, and Florida should closely monitor the movement of this evolving tropical system.”

AndNowUKnow will be keeping a keen eye on 99L over the next few days as it continues to develop, so stay tune for more on how this may affect Florida’s produce business.