Date Published: July 18, 2006   

Tropical depression forms off North Carolina coast

The Associated Press

A tropical depression formed off the North Carolina coast on Tuesday, causing a tropical storm watch to be issued for the eastern part of the state.

At 11 a.m. EDT, the second depression of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season was moving toward the north near 5 mph, the National Hurricane Center said Tuesday. A slow turn to the north-northwest or northwest was expected later Tuesday or Wednesday.

Forecasters said the depression could become a tropical storm as soon as Tuesday evening. Top sustained winds were 35 mph and the depression would be named Beryl if its winds reach 39 mph.

The watch was issued for north of Cape Lookout northward to south of Currituck Beach Light. A watch means that storm conditions are possible within 36 hours.