ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Update: Tropical Depression Eight has strengthened to become Tropical Storm Gaston.
The previous story is below.
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Tropical Depression Eight formed Tuesday morning over the central Atlantic Ocean — well away from land.
According to the 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center, the system is located about 1,110 miles west-southwest of the Azores and moving north at 10 mph.
Maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph with higher gusts.
"Slow strengthening is forecast, and the depression is expected to become a tropical storm later today or tonight," the hurricane center said in its advisory.
Life-threatening surf and rip current conditions are likely for the Azores later this week.
The storm name should this system become a tropical storm is Gaston.
Interests along the East Coast of the United States do not need to worry about Tropical Depression Eight with it being well out at sea. Category 3 Hurricane Fiona continues to be watched, however, as it may bring higher than usual surf to the coast and impact Bermuda later this week.
And then there's another: A tropical wave is poised to enter the Caribbean Sea, with development likely. Interests along the Gulf coast, including Florida, will have to keep a close watch on this system in the coming week.