NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) - Potential tropical cyclone nine is still not a named storm as of 4 a.m. this morning, but intensification will occur over the day. Sustained winds in the storm are at 35 mph. A closed low pressure in the center of potential tropical cyclone nine will most likely form mid-morning, allowing it to take on the name Helene. Movement is currently to the NW at 6 mph. It will pass between Cuba and the Yucatan tomorrow morning, entering the Gulf tomorrow night. After a potential rapid intensification in the Gulf just before landfall, it should reach Florida by Thursday night, somewhere near the Big Bend region. The highest rainfall forecasts are ranging from 8-12 inches. For areas surrounding Panama City and Tallahassee. Surge can be seen up to 4 ft in the southern part of the state near Bonita Beach and Flamingo, and up to 3 ft along the Florida Keys. There is a moderate risk for flash flooding along the panhandle and up through central Georgia, including Atlanta, through Sunday. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts 'Alarming': Severe obesity is climbing in the US. See who is most affected How 4 Latino staffers created the Texas Embassy on H Street — and a Capitol legacy Trump campaign's ground game worries some Republicans The Memo: Why Trump could change his mind on a second debate with Harris Contenders to lead House's largest conservative caucus want to elevate its influence