Tropical Storm Dolly forms in the Atlantic Ocean far from land

Tropical Storm Dolly formed in the Atlantic Ocean away from any landmasses on Thursday, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. The storm, with 40 mph (64 kph) sustained winds, was located about 1,555 miles (2,500 kilometers) east of the Leeward Islands. Forecasters predicted heavy rain for the Caribbean, particularly the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola, over the weekend of Saturday through Monday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projected a below-average Atlantic hurricane season due to El Nino, forecasting eight to 14 named storms, with three to six intensifying to hurricane strength and one to three becoming major hurricanes.