The National Hurricane Center currently predicts a “high” chance of a tropical disturbance developing in the Gulf of Mexico.

But what does this mean for the Tampa Bay area?

Here are Tuesday’s thoughts from ABC Action News Chief Meteorologist Denis Phillips:

• We will likely have Hurricane Sara in the Caribbean later this week. It will probably stay there until Sunday or Monday.
• High pressure will keep it from entering the Gulf until early next week. At this point, he will probably move to Florida or the Bahamas…probably Florida.
• Power is IMPOSSIBLE to predict at this point. If it stays over the Yucatan longer (Euro AI), it will be much weaker and move north toward the panhandle. This model pairs it as a remnant low with a cold front coming this way. A STRONG cold front with the coldest weather in a long time coming next weekend. If it misses the Yucatan (or just brushes it), Sara will likely be much stronger and could make landfall in Florida next Wednesday as a hurricane. Again, at this point and for the next 5 days, there is no way to know exactly where it enters the Gulf. This, above all, will affect how strong it will be on landing.
• I put my Christmas decorations on hold for now. I don’t think we’ll see it, but why risk it? Chasing a 12-foot Frosty down the street seems pointless. Yes, many people have asked.
• That’s about it. As always, expect 24/7 predictions (minus the hype) for the week ahead. It’s what we do.

HURRICANE RESOURCES