Subtropical Storm “Ana” forms NE of Bermuda

Subtropical Storm "Ana" formed just northeast of Bermuda at 09:00 UTC on May 22, 2021, as the first named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Tropical or subtropical storms have formed before the official start of the season for the past 7 years.

At 09:00 UTC on May 22, the center of Subtropical Storm "Ana" was located about 320 km (200 miles) NE of Bermuda. It had maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h (45 mph) and minimum central pressure of 1 006 hPa. 

The storm was moving WSW at 6 km/h (3 mph).

A continued slow and erratic motion is expected through tonight, followed by a faster northeastward motion on Sunday and Monday, NHC said.

Little change in strength is forecast today, but gradual weakening is expected tonight and Sunday.

Image credit: NOAA/GOES-16, RAMMB/CIRA, TW. Acquired at 20:10 UTC on May 21, 2021.

While Ana is moving away from Bermuda and is expected to dissipate in a couple of days, a Tropical Storm Watch is still in effect for Bermuda.

"Recently formed Subtropical Storm 'Ana' remains to the northeast and will continue to drift nearby today before quickly lifting away to the northeast on Sunday," the Bermuda Weather Service said.

"Breezy conditions and periods of showers continue before easing and drying in time for Sunday. Monday then sees the return to fair skies before the gradual approach of a trough and front from the north, poised to reintroduce wet weather."

This is the first named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.

"The Atlantic has had at least one named storm prior to the official start of hurricane season on June 1 for seven years in a row (2015 – 2021)," Dr. Philip Klotzbach said.

Featured image credit: NOAA/GOES-16, RAMMB/CIRA, TW. Acquired at 20:10 UTC on May 21, 2021.