MIAMI (AP) — The U.S. Hurricane Center says a tropical depression has formed and it is dumping heavy rains on parts of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as it heads for the Bahamas.

The hurricane center said the fourth depression of the Atlantic hurricane season formed on Saturday afternoon. The system is expected to strengthen and a tropical storm warning has been issued for the Turks and Caicos and parts of the Bahamas. Forecasters say it could bring up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain.

Forecasters in San Juan are calling for up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain for parts of region. Officials say nearly 3,500 customers were without power there, and more than 3,550 without water.

The depression has sustained winds of 35 mph (56 kph). It is expected to become a tropical storm Sunday.

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