MIAMI — Tropical Storm Hanna has formed off the coast of Nicaragua and is forecast to move inland, producing heavy rainfall.

A tropical storm warning has been issued Monday morning and covers an area from Punta Patuca, Honduras, southward to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65 kph) with little change in strength expected until landfall. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says weakening is expected as Hanna moves inland and the storm is expected to dissipate Tuesday.

Hanna is centred about 35 miles (60 kilometres) north-northeast of Puerto Cabezas and is moving west-southwest near 7 mph (11 kph).