Debby is Tropical Storm No. 4

Tropical Storm Debby has officially formed in the in the Gulf of Mexico roughly 250 miles south of the mouth of the Mississippi River, and forecasts put it on a path for Louisiana and Texas over the next few days.

It's the first time since 1851 that four storms have formed before July, according to WCBD-TV. Alberto was the first storm of the season. It formed off the coast of South Carolina. Read more about Alberto, see photos.

Some forecasts put the storm on a path for the west coast of Florida, which raised the chances that it could pass over the state and linger in Georgia or South Carolina, but the latest data suggests it will move west, according to the National Hurricane Center.

"Tropical storm watches have been issued for parts of the Gulf Coast, due to the rather large wind field Debby's circulation is embedded in," according to the Weather Channel. "This persistent wind field has also raised the threat of rip currents and coastal flooding well to the east and north of the center."