Tropical Depression # 9 could become Tropical Storm, then Hurricane Isaac in the near future

MIAMI, Fla. - A hurricane hunter aircraft is headed toward a depression in the Atlantic that forecasters say likely will become Tropical Storm Isaac and that organizers for the Republican National Convention being held in Tampa next week are watching.

Storm warnings have been issued Tuesday across a swath of islands in the Caribbean.

It is too soon to say what exact path the storm will take. But some computer models show it headed toward Cuba and then Florida. Others have it making a sharp northern turn in the next couple days near Puerto Rico and then into the open Atlantic.

The depression has maximum sustained winds near 35 mph but is expected to strengthen.

The depression is about 550 miles (885 kilometers) east of Guadeloupe and is moving west near 18 mph.

Meanwhile, another system is forming off the African coast.  Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center say it is well-defined and has a high chance - 60 percent - of developing into a storm within the next 48 hours.

It is located about 425 miles southwest of the Cape Verde Islands and is moving to the west at 15 mph.

Another system off the east Mexican coast has the potential of becoming a tropical storm as it drifts westward.