Tropical Depression Nine Forms in Gulf, Could Intensify

Tropical Depression Nine formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, and forecasters say it could grow into the first hurricane of the 2026 season. The Spanish-language satellite graphic in your screenshot, presented by meteorologist Pablo Sánchez, shows the system's center off Mexico's coast near Tampico and Veracruz.

The depression was moving east Tuesday afternoon with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, matching your graphic, which also lists a slow eastward motion at 5 mph. The National Hurricane Center expects it to drift northeast through the middle of the week before turning north.

The forecast calls for steady strengthening. Forecasters expect it to become a tropical storm by early Wednesday and a hurricane on Thursday. If it reaches tropical storm strength, it would be named Isaias.

The main concern is the northern U.S. Gulf Coast. The storm is forecast to approach the coast on Friday. Rain totals of 3 to 6 inches, with localized amounts up to 10 inches, are expected along the coast from southeastern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle. Forecast models also showed increasing threats of dangerous wind and storm surge for that stretch, though not for Tampa Bay.

Uncertainty remains large. Predicted intensities for the central Gulf Coast range from a negligible low pressure area to a low-end hurricane. A strong El Niño has produced widespread wind shear that has limited storm development this season, and shear near the northern Gulf Coast is expected to work against the system as it approaches land. Forecasters caution that the track and intensity could still change.

Because October is one of the busier months of the hurricane season and the northern Gulf Coast is low and flat, officials urge residents from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle to take the forecast seriously. People in the region should review their hurricane plans, check supplies, know evacuation zones, and follow National Hurricane Center updates, since watches could be issued soon.

The system could also bring gusty winds and heavy rain to parts of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, according to the hurricane center.