Tropical Storm Colin Forms in the Atlantic

Churning in the open Atlantic, Tropical Depression Four strengthened into Tropical Storm Colin early this morning.

Colin was classified as a tropical depression midday on Monday in the south-central Atlantic Ocean. While traveling through an area with light upper-level wind shear and warm waters, the storm continued to strengthen overnight.

The storm is tracking towards the west-northwest at 23 mph and will continue to do so over the next several days.

Although Colin does not pose an immediate threat to land, residents along the East Coast of the United States should pay close attention to the tropical forecast this week.

Conditions will remain favorable for strengthening over the next day or two. By the end of the week however, Colin could move into an area with increased wind shear that will hinder the storm's development.

Colin is expected to pass to the north of the Leeward Islands early on Thursday. As the storm nears the the United States later this weekend, it could be held out to sea by a system sweeping offshore from the East Coast.

Historically, tropical storms named in the area where Colin has formed rarely threaten the United States. Yet, with the possibility of further development and a track taking it near the East Coast, residents in both the United States as well as Bermuda should be sure to keep checking back at AccuWeather.com's Hurricane Center for the latest information on Colin.

By Katie Storbeck, Meteorologist - Accuweather.com
Meteorologist Andy Mussoline contributed to the content of this story.