ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The disturbance over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico is now moving north-northeastward with gale-force winds.

It's expected to develop into a tropical or subtropical storm early Friday.

Remember this will be a lopsided, poorly organized system with most of the significant weather east of the center. 

There could be a risk of tornadoes in Florida late Friday night and into Saturday.

This will be a fast moving system so flooding from rainfall shouldn’t be a big problem.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...
* Mississippi/Alabama border to Yankeetown Florida
* Grand Isle Louisiana to the Mouth of the Pearl River

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for...
* Indian Pass Florida to Clearwater Beach Florida

SUMMARY OF 500 PM INFORMATION

LOCATION...24.1N 93.7W

ABOUT 445 MI...720 KM SW OF THE MOUTH OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...40 MPH...65 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...NE OR 45 DEGREES AT 12 MPH...19 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...1004 MB...29.65 INCHES