Subtropical Storm Otto forms in Atlantic; heavy rain possible in Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Subtropical Storm Otto forms in Atlantic

MIAMI — The National Hurricane Center says Subtropical Storm Otto has formed east of the Turks and Caicos Islands and is heading farther into the Atlantic.

The storm had maximum sustained winds Wednesday near 60 mph (95 kph). Its center was located about 215 miles (345 kilometers) northeast of Grand Turk Island and it was moving north near 5 mph (7 kph).

Forecasters say the storm could strengthen in the next two days as it turns eastward and heads farther out to sea. Heavy rainfall is possible in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and northern Leeward Islands.

Subtropical storms share the characteristics of tropical storms, which get their power from the warm ocean, and extratropical storms that form when warm and cold fronts collide.