Twin Tropical Depressions Form

Twin tropical depressions sprouted today in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic, the Miami Herald reports, and both could become tropical storms by day’s end. Forecasters expect the Gulf system to spiral toward Texas and Louisiana, bringing 10 to 15 inches of rain to the already soggy states. But officials are more concerned about the Atlantic system.

Unlike the Gulf’s tropical depression, which will diminish once it makes landfall, the Atlantic system is over 1,000 miles from land, giving it time to mature into an aggressive storm. Weakening crosswinds, which reduce a system’s impact, may allow for “some strengthening,” said a hurricane specialist. Humberto and Ingrid are the next two names on this year’s storm list. (More tropical depression stories.)