MIAMI, (Reuters) – The first tropical depression of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season neared storm strength in the western Caribbean yesterday as it took aim at Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.
The depression had sustained winds of 35 miles per hour (55 km per hour) and was centred 355 miles (570 km) southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. It was moving west-northwest at 10 mph (17 kph) on a path that would take it over the Yucatan Peninsula during the weekend and then into the Gulf of Mexico, where BP Plc is trying to contain a massive oil spill.
The Mexican government issued a tropical storm warning for the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula from Chetumal northward to Cancun, alerting residents to expect tropical storm conditions within 36 hours.
Belize also issued a warning for the eastern coast and forecasters said the system could strengthen into Tropical Storm Alex before hitting land.
“The depression is expected to become a tropical storm tonight or Saturday,” the U.S. center said.
Tropical depressions, swirling masses of thunderstorms, become named tropical storms when their sustained winds reach 39 mph (63 kph).
