A tropical depression drifting erratically in the northern Gulf of Mexico is expected to strengthen later Monday with rain that could trigger flooding and winds capable of downing trees and power lines in several states this week.
The depression was centered about 110 miles (180 kilometers) south of Panama City, Florida, with sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph). It was poised to gradually strengthen and reach tropical storm status later in the day, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.
