Tropical Depression Seven strengthened into Tropical Storm Gabrielle Wednesday morning, and forecasters say the system could become a hurricane by the weekend as it tracks northwest in the Atlantic.

The good news: It isn’t likely to come anywhere near Florida, though the Sunshine State will experience weather effects.

AccuWeather hurricane experts emphasized that Gabrielle is expected to pass north of the Caribbean islands and curve to the north this weekend, potentially nearing Bermuda early next week.

“After navigating through hostile conditions in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Gabrielle was able to develop, despite disruptive wind shears and dry air in the area,” Alex DaSilva , AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, said in a statement.

“The storm may intensify into a hurricane ove

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