Tropical Storm Isaac forms in central subtropical Atlantic

Sept. 25 (UPI) -- A new tropical storm formed over the central subtropical Atlantic late Wednesday, generating swells affecting the coast of Bermuda.

The tropical storm, christened Isaac, was located about 690 miles east-northeast of Bermuda and 1,480 miles west of the Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, the National Hurricane Center said its 11 p.m. AST update .

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was moving east at 12 mph.

Forecasters expect Isaac to pick up speed as it takes an east-northeastern direction over the next several days.

No watches or warnings were in place, but the forecasters are warning that swells generated by Isaac affecting Bermuda could spread to the Azores this weekend.

"These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office," the NHC said.

Isaac could experience a gradual intensification over the next few days followed by a gradual weakening, it said.

Isaac formed as Florida is bracing for Hurricane Helene to make landfall Thursday evening.

Forecasters expect it to be a Category 4 storm when it hits Florida's Big Bend region. Sixty-one of Florida's 67 counties are under a state of emergency.