Storm Wanda forms in north-central Atlantic

Tropical Storm Wanda formed over the north-central Atlantic on Monday afternoon, making it the 21st named storm of the season.

Wanda emerged as a subtropical storm Saturday night from the remnants of

a nor’easter off the U.S. East Coast. Subtropical storms are often less intense than

tropical storms and form in lukewarm waters, experts say.

As of 5 p.m. Monday, Wanda had maximum wind speeds of 45 mph and was moving east-northeast at 7 mph. It was located on a latitude parallel to the North Carolina coast, but far out in the central Atlantic Ocean. It is no threat to land.

Wanda could strengthen in the next few days, the hurricane center said, as it moves northeast Monday night and turns north by Tuesday night.

The Atlantic has been quiet for nearly a month since Tropical Storm Victor faded out in early October.

Just two Atlantic seasons on record have had more than 21 named storms: 2005, with 28 named storms, and 2020, with 30, according to Colorado State University hurricane expert Phil Klotzbach.

Meanwhile, a broad area of low pressure located west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands in the far eastern Atlantic off Africa is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. It has been given a low chance of formation over the next five days due to the presence of storm-shredding wind shear.

Wanda is the last name on the official list of the World Meteorological Organization for this year. If any more names are needed, authorities will turn to a supplemental list, where the first name is Adria.

Hurricane season runs through Nov. 30. Storm activity already has fallen sharply from its mid-September peak.

There have been 21 named storms this year, including seven hurricanes.

Tropical Storm Wanda, the 21st named storm of the season, formed into a tropical storm Monday, according to the National Hurricane Center.