A newly formed depression in the Caribbean could enter the Gulf of Mexico as Tropical Sara next week, potentially reducing the chances it could pose a threat to Florida later in the week.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The National Hurricane Center said Tropical Storm Sara formed in the Caribbean on Thursday, and long-term forecast models show it could enter the Gulf of Mexico and turn toward Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Tropical Storm Sara formed this afternoon and threatens to bring "life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides" to Honduras throughout the weekend, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center. A turn toward Florida is still possible, forecasters said.

A tropical wave producing a cluster of showers and thunderstorms across the Caribbean has a 90% chance of becoming a tropical depression by the weekend.

Tropical Storm Sara formed in the Caribbean Sea on Thursday, but the National Hurricane Center says there's a chance it won't reach hurricane strength.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts Tropical Storm Sara could get into the Gulf of Mexico after swamping Central America and crossing over Mexico.

The National Hurricane Center has designated an area of low pressure in the Caribbean as “Potential Tropical Cyclone Nineteen,” and forecasts it will strengthen into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours.