South Florida

Tropical Storm Bret Moving North of Venezuela, 2nd System Could Form in Gulf of Mexico

Tropical Storm Bret continues to churn along the northern part of South America, while a second system closer to the United States could become a named storm at some point Tuesday.

Bret has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and is moving west-northwest at 21 mph about 75 miles east-southeast of Isla de Margarita, Venezuela, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Little change in strength was expected over the next couple days.

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A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the northern coast of Venezuela from Pedernales to Cumana including Isla de Margarita. A tropical storm watch was in effect for Bonaire, Curacao and Aruba.

Footage from Trinidad showed damage caused by the system including toppled trees and tossed-by-the-wind beach furniture.

Bret wasn't expected to affect Florida.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for a section of Louisiana's coast as a weather system approaches from the Gulf of Mexico.

The warning is in effect from Cameron, Louisiana, to Intracoastal City.

Meanwhile, a tropical storm warning has been issued for a section of Louisiana's coast as a weather system approaches from the Gulf of Mexico. The warning is in effect from Cameron, Louisiana, to Intracoastal City.   

The system's maximum sustained winds early Tuesday are near 40 mph. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says some slight strengthening is possible before the system reaches the coast, either late Wednesday or Wednesday night.   

As of 5 a.m. Tuesday, the system is centered about 305 miles south-southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River and is moving northwest near 8 mph.

NBC 6’s Angie Lassman has the numbers from the agency, which predict a slightly higher than normal number of storms this hurricane season.

South Florida won't be directly affected by the system.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott released a statement regarding the system churning in the Gulf, saying in part:

“With severe weather including heavy rain and flooding expected across the Florida Panhandle this week, families in Northwest Florida should remain alert to local news and weather updates and make sure they have a plan. I have been monitoring the storm system in the Gulf of Mexico and will continue to receive briefings on possible impacts to our state."

Download the NBC6 News & Weather app to stay up to date on any tropical developments.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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