New system forming in distant Atlantic Ocean

MIAMI - Tropical Storm Ernesto is nearing the coast of Mexico this morning.

In the distant Atlantic, a strong low pressure system could soon turn into a tropical storm.

At 8 a.m., Ernesto had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph and was moving west-southwest at 13 mph.  Landfall is expected later today, followed by rapid weakening.

The tropical wave is located about 1000 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands.  Forecasters say a tropical depression could form over the next few days.  The system has a high chance - 70 percent - of developing into a tropical storm as it moves west at about 15 mph. If it does develop, it would be named Gordon.

Another low pressure system, the remnants of Tropical Storm Florence, is located about 360 miles northeast of the Leeward Islands and is not expected to reorganize as it moves northwestward at 20 mph.