Tracking Tropical Storm Ian as it approaches the US

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - All eyes are on the tropics as our 9th named storm, Tropical Storm Ian has formed in the central Caribbean Sea.

Ian is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane later this weekend as it makes its way through the Caribbean towards Cuba. Ian is set to produce heavy rain and in Jamaica and Cuba.

As it hits the very warm Gulf waters it is then going to rapidly intensify into a major hurricane by Tuesday of next week. Impacts to the west coast of Florida including Tampa and St. Petersburg are looking likely.

Here is the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center as of Sunday evening:

Tropical Storm Ian is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the next several days as it... — Tropical Storm Ian is expected to strengthen into a hurricane over the next several days as it approaches the west coast of Florida.(WWBT)

Ian may weaken a little before making landfall in Florida, but storm surge flooding, high winds, and tornadoes will all be a concern across Florida and into the southeastern U.S.

We will continue to monitor Ian through the weekend and all of next week and give you the very latest updates as we get them. Check out our other blog more information on potential Virginia impact