The 2007 hurricane season is kicking in. Forecasters report storms at sea in the Atlantic and another in the Gulf of Mexico. In the Pacific, the currently category 3 Hurricane Flossie is bearing down on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Tropical Storm Dean developed in the open Atlantic, far away from land on Tuesday. Another system in the Gulf is being watched closely by forecasters, who say tropical storm warnings are expected soon for areas of Texas and Mexico.

Dean is being predicted to build up enough steam to grow into the season’s first hurricane by Thursday and could threaten the outer regions of the Caribbean islands come this weekend.

In Hawaii, Governor Linda Lingle has signed an emergency disaster proclamation, which activates the National Guard. Public schools are also reported closed and Hawaiians have been advised to stock up on food and water as the storm nears.

Meterologists say Flossie’s eye is expected to pass less than 100 miles from the islands, with high winds and more than 10 inches of rain. The Big Island was under a hurricane watch, a tropical storm warning, and a flash flood watch through Wednesday.