After nearly three weeks without significant rainfall, North Alabama could receive a soaking this weekend from Tropical Storm Nate.

The storm formed off the coast of Nicaragua and had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph as of Thursday afternoon. The storm was projected to cross into the northwestern Caribbean Sea today and could reach hurricane strength before making landfall in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Meteorologists with the National Hurricane Center said rainfall of up to 20 inches was possible in Central America, but effects will be minimal here.

Andrew Pritchett, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Huntsville, said 2 to 3 inches of rain could be possible with Nate, beginning as early as late Saturday night. He added the impacts here would depend on the track of the storm.

“The one thing we have going for us is it’s been relatively dry, so our flash flood guidance is low and it’s a fairly quick moving system,” he said.

Rainfall and gusty winds would be our primary threat unless Nate shifts more to the west. If Limestone County is east of the storm, the potential for severe weather — including spin-up tornadoes — increases. If the storm curves west when it hits the central part of the state, local rain potential could diminish significantly.

“It just all depends on the track,” he said.

If Nate moves through the Huntsville area, Sunday would be a literal washout. After the storm moves out of the area, Pritchett said an area of high pressure would move in, bringing sunny skies and a return of highs in the low-to-mid-80s.