Tropical Storm Sara formed Thursday afternoon in the western Caribbean and is headed toward Honduras. Forecasters advised Florida residents to keep an eye on its track.

In a worst-case scenario for the U.S., a major hurricane could hit Florida's Gulf coast, but forecasters say it would have to clear several hurdles.

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. As of the NHC’s 10 a.