It was probably expecting too much to to think we would escape this hurricane season untouched. Right now, that hope is on track to be proven wrong, because building up off the coast of eastern Mexico is Tropical Depression 14.

UPDATE: as of 4pm today, the system has become TROPICAL STORM MILTON

As of this morning, its 35 mph winds bought a ticket onto NOAA’s watch list with the warning that the system is “FORECAST TO STRENGTHEN AND BRING THE RISK OF LIFE-THREATENING IMPACTS TO PORTIONS OF THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA NEXT WEEK”.

This system is moving slowly northeastward at 3mph, and forecast to pick up speed and intensity, becoming a tropical storm today and become a hurricane – potentially a major hurricane – by early Monday as it approaches Florida’s west coast.

"Areas of heavy rainfall will also impact portions of Florida Sunday and Monday well ahead of the tropical system, with heavy rainfall more directly related to the system expected by later Tuesday through Wednesday. This rainfall brings the risk of flash, urban, and areal flooding, along with minor to isolated moderate river flooding."

St. Augustine should begin feeling wind impact Tuesday night into Wednesday morning and experience the brunt of the storm Wednesday afternoon and through the night..

Everyone should begin making preparations now, and start by CLICKING HERE FOR the St. Johns County Preparedness Guide. And continue monitoring the storm’s progress on THE NOAA WEBSITE.