ATLANTIC OCEAN - Now positioned about 160 miles west-southwest of Key West, Florida, the tropical disturbance known as 99L has strengthened to become Tropical Depression Nine, and is still on track to bring stormy weather to parts of Florida. The system may even strengthen further, meteorologists say, becoming a tropical storm as it heads into the Gulf of Mexico.

"As Tropical Depression Nine moves farther away from Cuba, it will be moving into an area more favorable for strengthening,” explained AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski. AccuWeather’s latest report suggests that the storm will make landfall along the western side of central and northern Florida later this week, following to the coasts of Georgia and the Carolinas during Labor Day weekend.

As reported by the National Hurricane Center, the depression may bring about 4 to 8 inches of rain over Cuba, with some areas potentially receiving up to 12 inches of rain through Wednesday. As for Florida and including the Florida Keys, rain totals may reach between 3 and 5 inches through Wednesday, with isolated areas seeing as much as 7 inches. Those in the affected areas should prepare for flash flooding, the National Hurricane Center warned.

"Enhanced showers and gusty thunderstorms can be expected, with localized flooding possible along the system's path,” added AccuWeather Meteorologist Ed Vallee.

As the system continues to strengthen into tropical storm territory and beyond, AndNowUKnow will keep you updated, including possible effects on the state’s agriculture.