Tropical Storm Colin degenerates into low in the Atlantic, could reform in the next few days

Tropical Storm Colin now a low in the Atlantic

MIAMI — Tropical Storm Colin has degenerated into a tropical low, but forecasters say it could still reform before hitting the U.S. Atlantic seaboard next week.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the remnants of Colin had maximum sustained winds near 40 mph Tuesday, which are comparable to those of a tropical storm. But the system lacks a defined center or the circular movement characteristic of a tropical storm.

Forecasters says the system could likely be reenergized in a few days when it moves into a more favorable environment.

The system is located about 540 miles (865 kilometers) east of the Leeward Islands and is moving west-northwest near 35 mph (56 kph).

Colin was the third tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Colin is moving rapidly across the Atlantic but early forecasts put it on a track off the U.S. Atlantic seaboard rather than into the Gulf of Mexico, where BP is working to finally plug its blown-out oil well.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the storm has maximum sustained winds near 40 mph (65 kph) Tuesday and some slow strengthening is expected.

Colin is located about 840 miles (1,355 kilometers) east-southeast of the Leeward Islands and is moving west near 24 mph (39 kph).

Colin is the third tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.