2015 tropical storm season starts early, as Ana forms off U.S. coast

The 2015 Atlantic hurricane and tropical storm season has got off to an unseasonably early start, with the naming of sub-tropical storm Ana late yesterday bringing an unusual May threat to the U.S. east coast.

Ana has formed from a low pressure system that has been brewing north of the Bahamas for a few days, with the majority of forecasters expecting development and an eventual track towards the U.S. east coast.

Sub tropical storm Ana was named yesterday and currently sits around 170 miles south south-east of the South Carolina coast line. Ana has sustained winds of 45 mph with stronger gusts, and a little strengthening has been forecast as the storm makes its way towards an expected landfall on Sunday.

Sub tropical storm Ana forecast path or track, heading for the South Carolina coast

While Ana is not expected to intensify into a hurricane, that would be extremely unusual at this time of year, the storm may come ashore with winds strong enough to cause a little damage and disruption. However rainfall is expected to be the major threat, with 2 to 4 inches currently forecast along the track after landfall through South and North Carolina.

Sub tropical storm Ana will not be a threat to the reinsurance and catastrophe bond market, however it is an early warning of the season that approaches. It’s also a sign that conditions nearer the U.S. coastline are conducive to formation of tropical storms from any low pressure systems that approach, underscoring the need to be alert to the hurricane season threat.

Tracking maps and forecasts for the season ahead can be found on our 2015 Atlantic Hurricane Season page.

Also read:

– Experts warn against complacency as U.S. endures hurricane drought.