In a rare occurrence, a January hurricane has formed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean.

Alex became a subtropical system late Wednesday night before officially becoming a hurricane Thursday morning. The storm has prompted a hurricane warning for the Azores.

"It's very rare, but the good news is it's no worry for us here in Florida," meteorologist Mallory Nicholls said.

The storm is named Alex, which was going to be the name of the first storm in the hurricane season that begins June 1.

The latest: Updated 11 p.m. Thursdsay

  • Location: 34.7 N, 27.6 W
  • How far is it?
    • 275 mi. SSE of Faial Island in the central Azores
  • Winds: 80 mph
  • Movement: N at 22 mph
  • Pressure: 984 mb / 29.06 inches

Alex is centered about 275 miles SSE of Faial Island in the central Azores and is moving north near 22 mph.