Tropical storm forms in eastern Pacific, may near Hawaii

Weather experts say a tropical storm has developed in the eastern Pacific Ocean that may be heading west near Hawaii.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says Tropical Storm Miriam has formed about 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometres) east of the Hawaiian islands. Accuweather, a company that provides weather forecasting services, says Miriam has winds of about 50 mph (80 kph) and is moving west at 14 mph (22 kph).

The formation of Miriam comes after Hawaii was hit earlier this week by near-record amounts of rain from Tropical Storm Lane. That storm was at one point a Category 5 hurricane before it weakened considerably as it neared the state.