Tropical Depression Two reformed in the Atlantic last night, and has now strengthened to Tropical Storm Ana. This makes it the first named storm of the 2009 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

As of early this morning Ana was located about 1600 kms east of the Leeward Islands. Maximum winds have increased to near 65 kph.

Environmental conditions have become more favorable for continued, but slow strengthening over the next several days while on a west to west-northwest track. For now, Ana is forecast to remain a tropical storm.

Ana could potentially threaten the northern Leeward Islands by Monday, Hispaniola by Tuesday, and eastern Cuba and the Bahamas by Wednesday. It could threaten areas southeast of the Florida peninsula by Thursday EST.

As of late Saturday evening NZT, a well developed low pressure continues to get better organized in the eastern tropical Atlantic, around 650kms west-southwest of the westernmost Cape Verde Islands.

Environmental conditions remain favorable for it to become a tropical depression at any time. If this occurs, it would likely continue moving in a westward direction, but would be no threat to any land for several days.

In the western Atlantic, a tropical wave and associated surge of tropical moisture is moving away from Hispaniola and toward the Bahamas. Breezy conditions along with showers and thunderstorms will likely impact this region today, but upper-level winds remain unfavorable for any development at this time.

This surge of tropical moisture will impact Florida and parts of the Southeastern states this weekend, bringing increased chances of showers and thunderstorms.

– WEATHER.COM