SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Tropical Storm Gordon formed in the Atlantic Ocean on Friday. Meteorologists say the storm is expected to remain over open water for several days.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and was located about 990 miles (1,590 kilometers) from the Cape Verde Islands. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the storm was moving west-northwest at 12 mph (19 kph).

Gordon formed during the height of the Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and ends November 30. It is the seventh named storm of the season.

According to meteorologists, Gordon is expected to strengthen slightly and then weaken again from Saturday as the wind shifts to the northwest.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecast an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year due to record-warm ocean temperatures. Between 17 and 25 named storms were predicted, with four to seven major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.