MIAMI — The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season has formed off the South Carolina coast — nearly a month before the season officially begins.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported Thursday night that subtropical storm Ana was located 170 miles (273 kilometers) southeast of Myrtle Beach, with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph (72 kph). The storm was moving north at about 2 mph (3.2 kph).
A tropical storm watch is in effect for Edisto Beach, South Carolina, to Cape Lookout, North Carolina. A watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible on this stretch of coast within 48 hours.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30. In the eastern Pacific, it begins May 15 and ends Nov. 30.