A new system in the Gulf of Mexico could first develop into a tropical storm and then into a hurricane before moving southeast in the coming days, according to weather experts.

The storm, which would be named Helene once it reaches tropical strength, is bringing showers and thunderstorms that are showing early signs of forming in a broad low-pressure system, according to a morning warning from the National Hurricane Center.

The system, currently designated Invest 97L, could develop into a tropical storm by Monday or Tuesday — and a hurricane by Tuesday night, according to the Weather Channel’s latest forecast. The storm is expected to move into the southern Gulf of Mexico as a hurricane on Wednesday, producing high surf and outer rainbands along parts of the Florida coast.

Although there is still some uncertainty, the storm is expected to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a hurricane on Thursday, the Weather Channel reports.

What impact will the storm have on SC?

Chris Landolfi, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in West Columbia, said the agency is closely monitoring the system and expects it to impact South Carolina.

“There is widespread agreement that the storm will develop somewhere in the Gulf and move north toward the Florida Panhandle, then slowly move inland. It will not make direct landfall in South Carolina,” Landolfi said. “We could see impacts later this week, especially with the possibility of heavier rainfall and some strong winds.”

Landolfi added that the heavy rains could potentially trigger flash flooding in parts of South Carolina.

The NWS plans to release more detailed information on the storm’s potential impacts in South Carolina in the coming days.