Tropical Storm Colin forms in the Atlantic, but not on track for oil spill in Gulf of Mexico

Tropical Storm Colin forms in the Atlantic

MIAMI — 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.

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

MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Colin has formed far out in 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) early Tuesday and some additional strengthening is expected.

Colin is located about 945 miles (1,525 kilometers) east of the Lesser Antilles and is moving west-northwest near 23 mph (37 kph).