Atlantic depression forms, another eyed in Gulf - NHC

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Tropical Depression 4 formed in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean and another depression could form in the Gulf of Mexico over the next day or so, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said on Monday.

In an advisory issued at 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT), the NHC said the center of Tropical Depression 4 was located about 620 miles (995 km) west-southwest of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands and about 1,900 miles east of the Lesser Antilles.

Tropical Depression 4 is moving toward the west near 20 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph.

The NHC said Tropical Depression 4 could strengthen into a tropical storm (winds of 39-73 mph) tonight or on Tuesday. The NHC will name the next tropical storm Dean.

In about four days, the NHC said Tropical Depression 4 could strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 74-95 mph and a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 96-110 mph in about five days.

The NHC expects to issue another advisory at 11 p.m.

Most of the weather models show Tropical Depression 4 crossing the Leeward Islands later this week and moving into the eastern Caribbean Sea. The Leeward Islands include the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, Saba, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Barbuda, Antigua, Montserrat, Guadeloupe and Dominica.

The energy market watches for tropical storms because they can disrupt U.S. oil and natural gas production and refining if they enter the Gulf of Mexico.

Commodities traders also track tropical storms because they can damage crops in Florida and along the Gulf Coast.