Chances for tropical trouble in the Gulf increase (again)
Storm or no storm, it could bring a lot of rain to parts of Florida.
Ethan Parker 
The National Hurricane Center has officially bumped up the odds for tropical development in the Gulf of Mexico. As of Saturday, experts are tracking a system with a 50 percent chance of forming into a tropical depression within the next week—a noticeable jump from the 30 percent probability reported on Friday.
What to Watch
A broad area of low pressure has emerged in the eastern Gulf. While current conditions show disorganized showers and no tropical-storm-force winds, meteorologists warn that gradual development remains a distinct possibility over the coming days.
According to the latest outlook from the National Hurricane Center, residents across south Alabama, the Florida Gulf coast, and southwestern Georgia should keep a close watch on the situation. The system is expected to drift slowly to the north or north-northeast.
Expect Heavy Rain
While the system is not projected to strengthen into a hurricane, it is shaping up to be a major rainmaker for the Southeast. The weather service anticipates that parts of Florida could see significant rainfall totals, with 6 to 8 inches possible over the next several days.
As 205focus.com continues to monitor the developments, forecasters have noted that an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is on standby to investigate the system on Sunday if the data warrants a closer look.
