First named storm of hurricane season, Ana, comes early

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C., May 8 (UPI) -- The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season developed off the South Carolina coast, weeks before the 2015 hurricane season officially begins.

Ana has been churning off the East Coast for several days with wind speeds up to 45 mph. The storm is inching forward at 2 mph and is expected to make landfall in several days, possibly Sunday. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Edisto Beach, S.C., to Cape Lookout, N.C. As of late Thursday, the center of the storm was located about 170 miles south-southeast of Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rains and high surf with possible rip currents extending to Florida's Atlantic beaches and the Georgia coast.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 through Nov. 30.

A forecast released by Colorado State University predicts a quiet season, with seven named storms, including three hurricanes, one of which is predicted to attain major hurricane status (Category 3 or stronger).