Melissa now a tropical storm in north Atlantic

MIAMI (AP) -- Melissa has transitioned to a tropical storm as it moves rapidly over the north Atlantic.

The storm's maximum sustained winds Wednesday are near 60 mph (95 kph) with little change in strength expected during the next day. But the storm is expected to begin losing tropical characteristics after that.

Melissa is centered about 1,115 miles (1,860 kilometers) west of the Azores and is moving east-northeast near 30 mph (48 kph).

The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Wednesday that large swells from the storm will likely continue affecting parts of the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and the southeastern Bahamas. The swells can bring life-threatening surf and rip currents.