Ingrid Rising? Depression Nears Tropical Storm Strength

Still more than 1,000 miles west of the Lesser Antilles, a tropical depression is gaining strength and could become the ninth named storm of the season. NOAA If it continues to strengthen into a tropical storm or hurricane, its name would be Ingrid -- the ninth named storm of what has already been an extraordinary season.

Hurricanes Dean and Felix made landfall in Central America within days of one another -- the first time in recorded history that two Category 5 hurricanes have struck land in the same season. Forecasters still expect an above-average season, with several more named storms and possibly more major hurricanes. The traditional peak of the hurricane season passed earlier this week.

Also this week, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration said a La Nina pattern of Pacific Ocean cooling had formed, and that condition is often associated with strong storms in the Atlantic. Now, the storm that could become Ingrid is following close on the heels of Tropical Storm Humberto, which is expected to make landfall in Texas tonight.

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