Tropical storm warning issued for parts of the Carolinas

MIAMI (AP) - A tropical storm warning has been issued for parts of North and South Carolina as Ana approaches the U.S. coast.

The storm formed nearly a month before the Atlantic Hurricane season officially kicks off. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Friday that Ana's maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 kph) with slight strengthening forecast during the next day or so.

The storm is centered about 180 miles (285 kilometers) south-southeast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Hurricane Center says it's been nearly stationary over the last few hours but is expected to move north-northwest later in the day.

The tropical storm warning is in effect from the south Santee River in South Carolina to Surf City, North Carolina. The system is expected to deliver 2 to 4 inches of rain over the weekend.

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