HOLT, Fla., Oct. 25, 2020—Tropical Depression 28 strengthened into Tropical Storm Zeta early this morning.

Gradual strengthening is expected during the next 48-to-72 hours with Zeta forecast to become a category 1 hurricane by late Monday or early Tuesday.

However, according to the National Hurricane Center, wind shear and cooler waters near the northern Gulf shore will affect Zeta’s strength and it’s forecast to weaken into a strong tropical storm before landfall.

Zeta has moved very little in the past 24 hours, but is expected to begin a slow north-northwest motion later today and gradually pick up speed by Tuesday, according to the NHC.

Tropical Storm Zeta is forecast to approach the northern Gulf coast Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Regardless of strength, Zeta could bring heavy rainfall, gusty winds and tornado activity to areas from Louisiana to the Florida panhandle.