Tropical Depression 7 is now Tropical Storm Gaston. The storm formed from a Tropical Depression 7 way out in the Atlantic Ocean, but it's not expected to directly impact Florida in the next week.

  • Tropical Depression 7 formed Monday in the Atlantic Ocean
  • The storm became Gaston Monday night

Gaston, the seventh tropical storm of the season, is located about 450 miles west-southwest of the southernmost Cabo Verde Islands.

The system is packing sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving west-northwest at 18 mph.

Additional strengthening is expected, and Gaston is forecast to become a hurricane Tuesday night or Wednesday.

It isn't expected to impact Florida and may take sharp north turn followed by a northwest turn next week.

Elsewhere in the tropics, Invest 99 has a chance for tropical development over the next five days as it approaches the Lesser Antilles. This storm is something to watch, but low confidence for now as to whether it will form and where it will go.

An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to take a look at Invest 99 if necessary.