CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Tropical Storm Francine officially formed Monday in the Gulf of Mexico, and is expected to strengthen and move north this week. A tropical disturbance strengthened into a tropical storm on Monday, Sept. 9 in the Bay of Campeche — which is located in the southern area of the Gulf. Through the first half of the week, the tropical storm is expected to strengthen and move north-northeast through the Gulf of Mexico.