that will contribute to the potential for this to make it to major hurricane status. by major hurricane starting at category three and above. but now it looks like category 3 before it gets to that coastline of the big bend area where they have been forecasting the computer models are suggesting that that is where they anticipate landfall. but way before then areas around clearwater, st. pete, tampa, coral gables, ft. myers, you are all looking at that potential for storm surge. even though it is out in the gulf of mexico, it will still have enough energy to push the water up on shore. low lying areas, they will be inundated with some of the water. take higher ground. seek shelter. make plans. if you need medications, provisions for some older adults or neighbors or your children, make those plans now because this is edging on a little bit