Subtropical storm brews off eastern Florida, USA

May 9, 2007

According to the The National Hurricane Center (NHC), at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the first named tropical system of 2007 is forming off the eastern coast of Florida.

Subtropical storm Andrea is traveling west, and tropical storm warnings have been posted from Altamaha Sound, Georgia southward to Flagler Beach, Florida.

"A tropical storm watch has been issued along the southeast coast of the United States from Altamaha Sound, Georgia southward to Flagler Beach, Florida. A tropical storm watch means the tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area...generally within the next 36 hours," said a statement posted on the NHS's website at 11:00 a.m. eastern time [15:00 UTC].

At 2:00 p.m. [eastern time] Andrea's storm center was located 100 miles [160 kilometers] southeast of Savannah, Georgia and about 135 miles [220 kilometers] north, northeast of Daytona Beach, Florida.

Andrea has strengthened over the past 24 hours, and at 2:00 p.m. [eastern time], winds were "estimated at 45 miles per hour [75 kilometers/hour]," but little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours," added an NHC statement.

As of 8 p.m [Eastern Time] Andrea is barely moving and remains disorganized. The broad center of circulation of subtropical storm Andrea was estimated near latitude 30.5 north, longitude 79.5 west or about 110 miles, 175 km southeast of Savannah Georgia and about 135 miles, 220 km north-northeast of Daytona Beach Florida.Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours. The next advisory will be issued by the National Hurricane Center at 1100 PM [Eastern Time]