Tropical Depression 9, currently west of Cuba and pushing into the Gulf of Mexico, could become a named tropical storm at some point today and is expected to pass over Jacksonville late Thursday night and early Friday morning, sending more rain and strong winds into Coastal Georgia.

The National Weather Service says three to five inches of rainfall is possible Friday along the coast from Jacksonville all the way north to Savannah. The National Hurricane Center also reports that a threat or tornadoes in north Florida and south Georgia could develop Thursday.

Boaters should heed marine forecast warnings and dangerous surf and rip currents could continue along beaches. A small craft advisory currently is in effect as winds reach 15 knots and waves hit six feet.