A tropical depression has formed off Mexico’s Pacific Coast and will likely become Tropical Storm Alvin later Thursday as it churns north toward Baja California, the US National Hurricane Center said.

Tropical Depression One-E has formed in the eastern Pacific and is moving toward the western coast of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Even without further development, tropical waves can impact local weather in Florida and the Caribbean by influencing thunderstorms and bringing gustier winds as they approach. The other reason to keep an eye on tropical waves is that some of the strongest that come off the African Coast tend to create the most dangerous hurricanes.