Tropical Storm Franklin - a record sixth "named" storm less than two months into the current hurricane season - has formed in the western Atlantic Ocean off the U.S. state of Florida.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for the northwestern region of the Bahamas Islands.
Forecasters are uncertain of the storm's path and strength potential and are advising U.S. East Coastal states from Florida to North Carolina to monitor Franklin's progress.
A U.S. reconnaissance plane flew into the system Thursday and clocked sustained wind speeds of 72 kilometers per hour with higher gusts. The storm is expected to strengthen Friday.
Storms must reach sustained winds of 63 kilometers per hour to be called a tropical storm and 119 kilometers per hour to reach hurricane status.