TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — In a surprise development, Tropical Storm Arlene formed in the Gulf of Mexico just one day into the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season.
The NHC initially forecast low odds of development for the tropical depression, but the situation changed Friday around 1:30 p.m. EDT.
As of Friday night, Arlene remained a tropical storm. The NHC said the storm is forecast to weaken on Saturday. Forecasters said Arlene will degenerate to a remnant low on Saturday and dissipate by early Sunday.
According to the latest advisory, the center of Arlene was located about 170 miles west-northwest of the Dry Tortugas. It was moving south-southeast at 7 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
Parts of central and southern Florida could see one to two inches of rain, with localized flooding of up to 5 inches, but the storm itself will remain well offshore.
Our forecast remains unchanged with heavy, tropical downpours in the forecast once again this evening and regular rainy season afternoon storms in the forecast this weekend,” Max Defender 8 Meteorologist Amanda Holly said.
As of this report, no coastal watches or warnings have been issued.
