Meteorologists continue to monitor an extensive low-pressure system near Central America that could develop into a tropical storm or hurricane and reach Florida later this week.

However, exactly where the storm will move and how strong it will be remains unclear, as the rain and thunderstorms associated with the system were disorganized on Sunday morning.

“There is still a lot of uncertainty,” said Rodney Wynn, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Tampa Bay. “As this storm forms, it will change direction. We urge everyone from the West Coast (of Florida) to the northern Gulf Coast to prepare. It could affect a very large area.”

The National Hurricane Center reported early Sunday that the system, located near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, has a 70% chance of forming in the next seven days, a 10% increase since Saturday. It will likely develop into a tropical depression in the next few days as it moves north into the Gulf of Mexico.

Once a storm develops, meteorologists can better estimate where it will move. Most current models show possible storm tracks toward the Florida Panhandle and the Big Bend region of the state, while some models show a track closer to Tampa Bay.

Any storm system could hit the Tampa Bay area, no matter where it moves. Rain chances will increase midweek, Wynn said. A storm would bring worsening ocean conditions, possible waterspouts and tornadoes, gusty winds and the threat of storm surge.

In advance of a possible storm, people should prepare hurricane kits with essential supplies, develop an emergency plan for their families, determine if they live in a flood zone and pay attention to the latest weather forecasts, Wynn said.

Warm and sunny weather is expected in the Tampa Bay area ahead of the potential storm. Dry air will keep rain chances low over the next few days before precipitation increases again later this week.

Meteorologists are also keeping an eye on another strip of the map in the eastern Atlantic, where they believe a tropical wave could form next week and move westward. The Hurricane Center estimates that there is a 40% chance that this system will form in the next seven days.

• • •

5 things you should know about the 2024 hurricane season, according to meteorologists.

Meteorologists are predicting an “extremely active” hurricane season for 2024. Here’s why.

Could Tampa Bay Flood Insurance Increase After a Hurricane? A Warning from Hurricane Ian

Want to know which areas in Tampa Bay are flooded? Here’s where to look.

Checklists for assembling all types of storm equipment.