Tropical Storm Sara now threatens to wreak havoc over Central America with days of heavy rain, flooding and mudslides. Where is it going next?

A newly formed depression in the Caribbean could enter the Gulf of Mexico as Tropical Sara next week, potentially reducing the chances it could pose a threat to Florida later in the week.

Tropical Storm Sara formed this afternoon and threatens to bring "life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides" to Honduras throughout the weekend, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center. A turn toward Florida is still possible, forecasters said.

The National Hurricane Center began advisories Wednesday on a system it forecasts to become the season’s next tropical depression or storm. Long-range forecast models predict it will intensify into a hurricane and threaten Florida by the middle of next week.

The western tip of the Florida Panhandle could see impact from Tropical Depression 18, which is expected to become Hurricane Rafael by Tuesday.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts Tropical Storm Sara could get into the Gulf of Mexico after swamping Central America and crossing over Mexico.

The National Hurricane Center has designated an area of low pressure in the Caribbean as “Potential Tropical Cyclone Nineteen,” and forecasts it will strengthen into a tropical storm within the next 24 hours.