Potential Tropical Cyclone 18 has been declared

Potential Tropical Cyclone 18 has formed in the western Caribbean and is expected to become a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico later this week.

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Potential Tropical Cyclone 18 has formed in the western Caribbean and is expected to become a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico later this week.

The National Hurricane Center declared a potential cyclone Sunday afternoon with winds of 35 miles per hour.

As it enters the southeastern Gulf, it is expected to strengthen into a tropical depression Sunday evening, a tropical storm early Monday, and a Category 1 hurricane early Wednesday.

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A hurricane warning has been issued for the Cayman Islands and a tropical storm warning has been issued for Jamaica.

Tropical storm watches are possible for parts of the Florida Keys Sunday evening or Monday.

The complex is expected to weaken as it moves northward in the Gulf and will likely be near the northern Gulf Coast by Friday.

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While the system is expected to remain west of Central Florida, some impacts are possible, including heavy rain and gusty winds.

There remains much uncertainty about the long-term direction of the system in the northern Gulf.

Stay with Channel 9 for the latest information on this system.

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