Tropical Depression Twelve forms in the Atlantic, expected to become major hurricane

Tropical Depression Twelve formed in the eastern Atlantic on Sunday evening and is forecast to become a major hurricane later this week, according to the National Hurricane Center. 

A tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less, and unlike tropical storms and hurricanes, tropical depressions are identified by numbers rather than names.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said the system is expected to strengthen and will likely become Tropical Storm Kirk.

Here’s everything you need to know about Tropical Depression Twelve. 

Tropical Depression Twelve is located in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean, about 585 miles west-southwest from the Cabo Verde Islands. 

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TROPICAL DEPRESSION, TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE?

The National Hurricane Center warns Tropical Depression Twelve could become a "formidable" hurricane later this week. Tropical Depression Twelve could become a hurricane by Wednesday. 

A LOOK AT HOW THE HURRICANE FORECAST CONE WILL BE DIFFERENT IN 2024

It's too early to tell if Tropical Depression Twelve will pose a threat to the U.S. at this time.

2024 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON GUIDE: HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THIS YEAR’S STORMS