Tropical Storm Sara is forecast to slog its way into Central America this weekend, but lose organization before its remnants make their way into the Gulf of Mexico and get sucked back to the east

The difference, DePodwin said, could be Sara "becoming a strong tropical storm or a major Category 3 hurricane that forms in the Gulf ... will slingshot the storm toward Florida, likely arriving sometime Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

In a worst-case scenario for the U.S., a major hurricane could hit Florida's Gulf coast, but forecasters say it would have to clear several hurdles.