Trop. Storm Ida Forms in Atlantic

MIAMI (AP) -- A tropical storm formed in the eastern Atlantic continues to pose no threat to land.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Saturday morning that Tropical Storm Ida was centered about 970 miles (1,565 kms) west of the Cape Verde Islands, and had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph). Ida was moving northwest at 10 mph (17 kph).

Forecasters say Ida is expected to slowly strengthen over the next couple of days.

Separately, a tropical depression was lingering in the Atlantic Saturday morning about 815 miles (1,310 kms) east northeast of the Lesser Antilles. The depression had maximum sustained winds of 30 mph (45 kph) and was moving west northwest at 12 mph (19 kph). There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. The depression is expected to become a remnant low later Saturday and dissipate by Monday.

(KA)