The first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season is now losing its tropical characteristics, but tropical storm warnings for Andrea remain in effect for the southern mid-Atlantic coast.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami said at 5 p.m. EDT Friday that the storm's low-level center is losing definition but remains a threat to the East Coast.

The storm was centered in eastern North Carolina about 55 miles (88 kilometer) northeast of Raleigh and moving toward the Northeast at nearly 30 mph (48 kph). It had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (72 kph).

Tropical storm warnings remained in effect for coastal communities in North Carolina and southern Virginia.

Forecasters say Andrea could still bring high winds, heavy rainfall, and localized coastal flooding through Saturday across the mid-Atlantic states and New England.

Tags: National Hurricane Center, tropical storm Andrea, storm track