'Very large' disturbance in Gulf of Mexico expected to become 1st tropical storm of the season

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A "very large" disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to become the season's first tropical storm Wednesday.

The National Hurricane Center said the system will bring as much as 15 inches of rain, coastal flooding and wind impacts to the coasts of Texas and northeastern Mexico.

Tropical storm conditions are expected Wednesday along portions of the Texas coast south of San Luis Pass and along portions of the coast of northeastern Mexico, the NHC said.

The system has an 80% chance of developing.

The NHC is also tracking an area of showers and thunderstorms located several hundred miles east of the Bahamas.

Weather officials said this system could gradually develop over the next few days as it moves westward. It is expected to approach the coast of the southeastern United States by the latter part of this week. It has a 20% chance of developing.

Another disturbance could develop over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico this weekend, according to the NHC. Officials said the system could gradually develop through early next week as it moves slowly west-northwestward or northwestward. It has a 30% chance of forming over the next seven days.