RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A storm system approaching from the Atlantic is expected to develop into Tropical Storm Imelda by the end of the weekend, potentially bringing storm surges and strong winds to the Southeast U.S. coastline early next week.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported Saturday that the system, currently known as Tropical Depression Nine, was northwest of Cuba's eastern tip, moving northwest at 7 mph. It is forecast to cross the central and northwestern Bahamas this weekend before nearing the southeastern U.S. coast early next week. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the central and northwestern Bahamas.

The system is expected to become a tropical storm by Saturday night or early Sunday, at which point it will be named Imelda.

As the system approaches the

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