A tropical depression could form next week as an area of low pressure in the Caribbean moves toward the Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center said Friday.

Tropical Depression Seven in the eastern Atlantic is expected to become Tropical Storm Gordon tonight or Friday.

Regardless of development, rain and coastal flooding are possible across the Carolinas early next week from system currently off Florida coast.

A tropical depression has formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and two other nascent tropical systems have caught the attention of forecasters.

Heavy rain, a threat for tornadoes and gusty winds are in store for portions of Florida's Panhandle as Tropical Depression Francine moves north.

In addition, the NHC is monitoring an additional disturbance in the Atlantic, remnants of Gordon and a tropical wave that is expected to move from the African coast. According to the NHC, a broad area of low pressure is expected to form early next week in the northwestern Caribbean Sea.