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 ********* 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.