Tropical Storm Hermine forms in Gulf; tropical storm warning issued for south Texas coast

Tropical Storm Hermine forms in the Gulf of Mexico

MIAMI — Tropical Storm Hermine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Texas.

A new tropical storm warning has been issued early Monday for the south Texas coast from the mouth of the Rio Grande to Baffin Bay. A tropical storm warning was already in effect for the coast of Mexico from Tampico to the mouth of the Rio Grande.

Hermine’s maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65 kph) with some additional strengthening expected before the storm makes landfall.

Heavy rain is predicted with northeastern Mexico into south Texas getting 4 to 8 inches with as much as a foot in some places. It could cause flash floods and mudslides.

The storm is located about 235 miles (375 kilometers) southeast of La Pesca, Mexico, and is moving north near 8 mph (13 kph).

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MIAMI (AP) — Forecasters say a tropical depression off the coast of Mexico has strengthened slightly.

The National Hurricane Center says the depression has sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph) and is about 205 miles (335 kilometers) east-southeast of Tampico, Mexico. It is expected to strengthen more before making land and could become a tropical storm later Monday.

Heavy rain is predicted with northeastern Mexico into south Texas getting 4 to 8 inches with as much as a foot in some places. It could cause flash floods and mudslides.

The government of Mexico has issued a tropical storm warning for the coast of Mexico from Tampico to the mouth of the Rio Grande.