Florida's Gulf Coast was bracing Monday for the possibility that Invest 97L, a tropical disturbance in the Caribbean Sea, could intensify quickly.

Forecasters say the storm, to be named Helene, could impact the Florida panhandle. Heavy rain and gusty winds are expected in Leon County by the end of the week.

As forecasters watch a tropical disturbance that could become a major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico, some local governments in the Tampa Bay area started offering sandbags Monday. Officials note that while sandbags can be an effective tool to prevent minor water intrusion,