Forecasters say PTC Nine could intensify into a tropical storm over the weekend as it tracks through the Bahamas.

For Florida, the bottom line: no direct landfall impacts are expected, but rough seas, rip currents, and dangerous beach conditions will develop early next week.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory stating that the potential tropical cyclone is in the Atlantic Ocean, 170 miles northwest of the Eastern Tip of Cuba and 110 miles south of the Central Bahamas. The system is moving to the northwest at 7 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.

Wilmington-area residents need to stay alert and be prepared as tropical weather conditions could reach the area early next week.

Now, the NHC has the ability to issue tropical cyclone advisories up to 72 hours before the anticipated arrival of storm surge or tropical-storm-force winds on land. This allows for longer lead times when there is a significant risk of wind and storm surge impacts.

According to the National Hurricane Center's 11 p.m. Friday advisory, the potential tropical cyclone is in the Atlantic Ocean, 145 miles northwest of the Eastern Tip of Cuba and 145 miles south of the Central Bahamas. The system, with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, is moving to the northwest at 9 mph.

In024, Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight brought severe flooding and other damage to the Cape Fear region. Here's a look back.