Subtropical Andrea forms in the Atlantic

MIAMI--The formation of the first named storm of the year has led the National Hurricane Center to issue a tropical storm watch from Altamaha Sound, Ga., to Flagler Beach, Fla.

The subtropical storm--named Andrea--formed three weeks before the official beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. The storm, which was packing maximum sustained winds of about 45 miles per hour Wednesday morning, was about 140 miles southeast of Savannah, Ga., shortly before noon Wednesday.

Forecasters have predicted above average hurricane activity for this year.