Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | May 8, 2015 |
Extratropical | May 11, 2015 |
Dissipated | May 12, 2015 |
Tropical storm | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 60 mph (95 km/h) |
Lowest pressure | 998 mbar (hPa); 29.47 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 1 direct, 1 indirect |
Damage | $20,000 (2015 USD) |
Areas affected | Southeastern United States |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season |
Tropical Storm Ana was the first named storm of the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season. A pre-season system, it became the earliest United States–landfalling tropical cyclone on record. It developed as a subtropical cyclone from a non-tropical low north of the Bahamas, and intensified to attain peak winds of 60 mph (97 km/h) before transitioning into a fully tropical cyclone early on May 9. Sustained in part by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, Ana made landfall along the northeast coast of South Carolina early the next morning. Overall, damage from the storm was minor. Heavy rainfall and gusty winds affected parts of the Carolinas, and some vulnerable beaches endured coastal flooding and several feet of erosion. Gusty winds damaged trees and powerlines, causing sporadic power outages, and a weak tornado was reported in association with Ana. In North Carolina, two deaths—one direct and one indirect—were attributed to the storm.