Ports along the Gulf Coast are closely watching a storm in the Caribbean that AccuWeather meteorologists forecast will strengthen into a hurricane and make landfall in the region on Thursday. The weather forecasting company predicts the storm will impact areas previously affected by Hurricane Idalia in August 2023. The National Hurricane Center issued an advisory on Monday regarding a potential tropical cyclone for parts of Mexico and Cuba, noting the storm's projected intensification. "We expect this evolving storm threat to rapidly intensify into a hurricane," stated Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather's Lead Hurricane Expert. "Do not delay preparations if you are in the storm's path. There is a possibility we could be dealing with a major hurricane at landfall." AccuWeather anticipates 4 to 8 inches of rainfall across the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend Region through Saturday, with isolated areas potentially receiving 8 to 12 inches near the landfall site. The Panama City Port Authority in Florida is aware of the storm and monitoring its development, according to spokeswoman Sarah Harris. Operations are expected to continue. Ports in Alabama and New Orleans are also closely observing the potential severe weather. Leaders at the Manatee County Port Authority in Florida were collaborating with local, state, and federal agencies on Monday in anticipation of the storm. Staff are scheduled to convene with a heavy weather advisory group, comprising various entities, to discuss necessary actions, said spokeswoman Virginia Zi.