Tropical Storm Warnings Issued After Depression Forms

MIAMI (AP) _ Storm warnings are being issued across a swath of eastern Caribbean islands after a tropical depression formed in the Atlantic.

The depression had maximum sustained winds near 35 mph (55 kph) early Tuesday but is expected to strengthen and become a tropical storm later in the day.

Tropical storm warnings have been issued from St. Lucia and Martinique up to Anguilla.

Tropical storm watches have been issued for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Vieques, Culbera, and the British Virgin Islands.

The depression is centered about 580 miles (930 kilometers) east of Guadeloupe and is moving west at 20 mph (32 kph).

It’s expected to move over the central Lesser Antilles on Wednesday afternoon or evening.