Rare January hurricane forms in the Atlantic: forecasters

Hurricane Alex formed in the Atlantic near the Azores Thursday, becoming the first such storm in January in nearly 80 years, US forecasters said. The National Hurricane Center said the storm was packing winds of 85 miles (140 kilometers) per hour as it moved toward the Azores. At around 2100 GMT, Alex was some 560 kilometers (335 miles) south of the archipelago, the NHC said. Hurricane warnings have been issued in the central portion of the Portuguese island chain, in the eastern Atlantic. The NHC said it was the first time a hurricane has formed in January in the Atlantic since 1938. The storm was expected to dump three to five inches (7.5 to 12.5 centimeters) of rain over the Azores, with possible isolated bursts of even heavier rain, the NHC said. It warned of the potential for mudslides, flash floods and significant coastal flooding accompanied by large and destructive waves. Forecasters said it was likely to lose strength within 48 hours as it merges with a large low pressure area at high altitude.