Tropical storm Erin formed in the Atlantic and headed west

Washington, August 11.- Tropical Storm Erin, which formed today west of the Cape Verde Islands, is moving in that direction at 31 kilometers per hour (km/h), and this movement is expected to continue for the next few days.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that the fourth storm of the current Atlantic and Caribbean hurricane season was located near latitude 17.4 North, longitude 28.0 West.

Previous satellite wind data indicated that maximum sustained winds are near 75 km/h (45 mph) with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is forecast over the next few days, the NHC report emphasized.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 55 kilometers (34 miles) from the center, it noted.

The current cyclone season, which started on 1 June, had a different start to previous cycles with only four short-duration events: Andrea (24 June); Barry (28 June); Chantal (4 July) and Dexter (4 August).

According to forecasts, August will mark the beginning of a more active period in this cycle, extending until November 30. (Source: Prensa Latina)