MIAMI – Forecasters say a tropical depression has formed off the Gulf coast of Mexico with tropical storm warnings issued from Tuxpan in the state of Veracruz north to La Pesca.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says maximum sustained winds are at 30 mph (45 kph) Monday afternoon. The storm is about

255 miles (410 kilometres) east-southeast of Tuxpan. It is moving west-northwest at 13 mph (20 kph).

The centre of the storm is expected to approach the coast by Tuesday night with some strengthening forecast.

The storm is expected to dump 3 to 6 inches of rain with 10 inches possible across southern Tampaulipas, northern Veracruz and eastern San Luis Potosi through Wednesday. The rain could cause flash floods and mud slides.