Eye on the tropics: Tropical Storm Rene forms in Atlantic, forecast to become hurricane this week

ORLANDO, Fla. — 5 p.m update:

Tropical Storm Rene formed in the Atlantic Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Rene is forecast to become a hurricane as it slowly moves west-northwest.

This is the second tropical storm to form Labor Day after Tropical Storm Paulette formed in the late morning.

Both storms are expected to stay over water this week.

Rene is the earliest R-named storm on record, beating Rita in 2005 by 11 days.

11 a.m. update:

After strengthening overnight, Tropical Storm Paulette formed Monday in the Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Paulette is forecast to stay over distant waters through the week.

Original report:

There are now two tropical depression in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical Depression 17 formed Sunday night and Tropical Depression 18 formed early Monday morning.

Tropical Depression 17

The first depression, Tropical Depression 17, is expected to become a tropical storm Monday.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the depression is moving toward the west-northwest at 6 mph. It is expected to be a slow mover for the next few days.

The depressions winds are 35 mph, with higher gusts. Forecasters expect the storm to slowly strengthen over the next few days.

Tropical Depression 18

Tropical Depression 18 formed early Monday morning over the eastern tropical Atlantic.

The depression is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm Monday or Monday night.

It is expected to bring tropical storm conditions and heavy rainfall to the Cabo Verde Islands.

The storm’s winds are at 35 mph, with higher gusts. The storm is expected to strengthen during the next 48 hours.

So far, neither depression is expected to pose a threat to Florida.

Cox Media Group