Disturbance in Gulf of Mexico forecast to become first tropical storm

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A disturbance near the western Gulf of Mexico coast is forecast to become the first tropical storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The NHC said the “very large” system will bring rain, coastal flooding and wind impacts along the coasts of Texas and northeastern Mexico.

Weather officials said tropical storm conditions are expected to begin Wednesday over portions of the Texas coast south of Port O’Connor, where a tropical storm warning is in effect.

The system’s winds remain near 40 mph, with higher gusts. It has an 80% chance of becoming a tropical storm over the next two days. If the system becomes a tropical storm, it will be named Alberto.

Meteorologists are also tracking two other disturbances.

An area of showers several hundred miles east of the Bahamas could gradually develop over the next few days as it moves westward.

The system is forecast to approach the coast of the southeastern United States on Friday. It has a 20% chance of developing over the next seven days.

The NHC is also tracking another disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico. This weekend, a system could develop over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and slowly move northward. It has a 20% chance of developing.