Tropical depression 10 strengthens to Tropical Storm headed toward Florida, then North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The tropics are staying very active and one system could have a big impact on North Carolina and the Triangle later this week.

The once Tropical Depression Ten has now become Tropical Storm Idalia. According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm formed Sunday off the coast of Mexico and is on track toward the southern U.S. Idalia is expected to become a hurricane on Tuesday in the Gulf of Mexico and turn Northeast toward the Florida coast.

At 5 p.m. Sunday, the storm was about 95 miles (153 kilometers) east-southeast of Cozumel, Mexico, moving northeast at 3 mph (4.8 kph) with highest sustained winds of 40 mph (64 kph), forecasters said.

It will continue a path north and eventually make its way to NC with heavy tropical rainfall expected to be the greatest impact. Gusty winds are also possible.

The heavy rainfall will bring localized flooding concerns across the Triangle.

Models show rain totals north of 2.5 inches across the area from now until Thursday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.