The National Hurricane Center says Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine formed Monday in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to become the season's next named depression or storm. The NHC issued a cone Monday showing where forecast models expect the system to move. The Tampa Bay area is within the cone of uncertainty. PTC 9 is expected to strengthen over the next few days. If it reaches 39 mph, it'll become a tropical storm and get the name Helene. Tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches have been issued for parts of Mexico and Cuba. By Wednesday, it's expected to become a hurricane. While there is still some uncertainty, models are in better agreement that the system will strengthen while moving northward over the Gulf of Mexico. Although it is too soon to specify the exact location and magnitude, areas along the Florida Gulf Coast should prepare for potential impacts from storm surge, heavy rainfall and strong winds. Now is the time to make sure your hurricane kit is ready and up to date. 10 Tampa Bay is also monitoring a wave off the west coast of Africa for possible development. This tropical wave is bringing no threat to land or Florida at this time. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/weather/tropics/helene-tropical-storm-hurricane-track-cone-forecast-florida/67-8ada2c2d-0652-478c-bce5-62080ddc23b9