Tropical Storm Patty forms east of Bahamas

MIAMI (AP) — Tropical Storm Patty has formed in the Atlantic east of the Bahamas, but forecasters expect the storm to be short-lived.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami named the storm Thursday afternoon.

Patty's center was about 255 miles (410 kilometers) northeast of the central Bahamas and it was stationary. Its maximum sustained winds were 40 miles per hour (64 kph).

Forecasters say the storm could begin moving slowly to the southwest Thursday night and Friday. Some weakening is likely on Friday.

No coastal watches or warnings were in effect.