MIAMI (AP) — The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season is meandering in the Atlantic off the U.S. southeastern coast Friday after forming nearly a month before the season officially begins.
Subtropical Storm Ana's maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 kph) with slight strengthening forecast during the next day or so.
The storm is centered about 170 miles (275 kilometers) south-southeast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The U.S. National Hurricane Center says it's been nearly stationary over the last few hours but is expected to move north-northwest later in the day.
A tropical storm watch is in effect for Edisto Beach, South Carolina, to Cape Lookout, North Carolina. The system is expected to deliver 2 to 4 inches of rain over eastern areas of the Carolinas over the weekend, and is already causing heavy surf and swells.