Tropical Storm Dolly has formed over the central tropical Atlantic, with the system expected to approach the Leeward Islands this weekend.

According to the latest advisory from the US National Hurricane Centre, Dolly was located about 1,555 miles (2,505 km) east of the Leeward Islands at 11 am.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 km/h), with higher gusts, and was moving west at 24 mph (39 km/h).

That westward movement is expected to continue over the next couple of days, bringing Dolly closer to the eastern Caribbean.

However, forecasters are not expecting the system to strengthen significantly.

Little change in intensity is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Dolly is expected to weaken into a tropical wave before reaching the Leeward Islands.

Tropical-storm-force winds currently extend up to 60 miles (95 km) from the centre.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect at this time, but the National Hurricane Centre is urging interests in the Leeward Islands to monitor Dolly’s progress.