MIAMI (AP) -- Forecasters say a tropical depression crossing Mexico's Bay of Campeche is expected to become a tropical storm before making landfall in that country's Gulf Coast state of Veracruz.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the Atlantic season's second tropical depression is drenching areas in its path with between 3 and 10 inches of rain, raising the threat of flash floods.

The depression formed Monday off Belize and was about 85 miles (140 kilometers) north-northeast of Coatzacoalcos, Mexico on Wednesday morning. It was moving west-northwest at 9 mph (15 kph) and forecast t strengthen before expected landfall Thursday morning in Veracruz state.

The storm has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 kph). A tropical storm watch has been issued in Mexico from Punta El Lagarto to Barra de Nautla.