ATLANTA — Tropical Storm Nate has formed in the southwestern Caribbean, and it's forecasted to strengthen into a hurricane that could impact the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Severe Weather Team 2 is tracking the storm and will have a look at its potential impact on Georgia, on Channel 2 Action News.
The once depression, which is currently churning over Central America, became Tropical Storm Nate on Thursday morning, Severe Weather Team 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said.
Residents from Louisiana to Florida are being warned to monitor the system as it approaches this weekend. The area is still feeling the effects of hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
The storm could reach hurricane status as early as Saturday while entering the Gulf of Mexico.
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The current track has it making landfall over the north central gulf coast on Saturday night or Sunday morning as a Category 1 hurricane, with 80 mph sustained wind.
However, the track -- as well as the strength -- is subject to change.
The storm approached Nicaragua Thursday morning with enough heavy rain to cause mudslides and flash flooding.
Up to 30 inches of rain is possible in some locations in Central America, according to the National Weather Service.
[ [PHOTOS: Tropical Storm Irma leaves trail of damage in Georgia] ]
A hurricane watch had already been issued for Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun.
So far, the Atlantic has seen five major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) during the 2017 season; two short of the record set in 2005 that saw seven major hurricanes.