Tropical depression forms in Atlantic; another could form near Mexico

TORONTO – The United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) promised a busy 2013 hurricane season and so far, it seems to be right on the money.

In the Atlantic, Tropical Depression Seven formed Wednesday afternoon near Puerto Rico. Both Puerto Rico and the Domincan Republic have issued tropical storm warnings.

The storm is moving northwest near 15 km/h with sustained winds near 55 km/h, with higher gusts. Rainfall accumulations of seven to 15 cm are expected over parts of Puerto Rico. The U.S. Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic could see up to 25 cm in mountainous areas. There is also the threat of flash floods in all areas.

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The storm is expected to strengthen within the next 48 hours.

Meanwhile, the NHC is keeping an eye on a tropical disturbance on the west coast of Mexico.

The disturbance is about 240 km south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. The NHC estimates that the storm has a 60 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone over the next 48 hours and a 70 percent chance over the next five days.

The storm is moving northwestward at about eight to 16 km/h.

Heavy rains and gusty winds are possible along the southwestern Mexican coast during the next couple of days.