MIAMI — A tropical depression is nearing tropical storm strength in the Atlantic as it passes southwest of the Cape Verde Islands.
The depression's maximum sustained winds early Thursday are near 35 mph (55 kph) and it's expected to strengthen to a tropical storm later in the day.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for the southern Cape Verde Islands of Maio, Santiago, Fogo and Brava.
The depression is centered about 45 miles (70 kilometers) southwest of Brava and is moving west-northwest near 16 mph (26 kph).