Tropical Storm Arlene moves south toward Cuba

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The first tropical storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season has formed from the depression in the northwestern the Gulf of Mexico — Tropical Storm Arlene.

Air Force Hurricane Hunters have found that the disturbance’s maximum sustained winds have strengthened a touch further to 40 mph, meaning that it has reached tropical storm status, according to the National Hurricane Center. 

Arlene is moving slowly southward and is expected to remain offshore from any land — well away from the Florida coastline — and be short-lived. 

It is a 40-mph storm located about 240 miles west of Fort Myers, according to the hurricane center.

It’s forecast that Arlene will weaken into the weekend and degenerate into a remnant low by Saturday. 

The NHC does not expect to issue any watches or warnings for the storm, which is expected to meander southward over the next day or two. The system will, however, continue to push in ample moisture and touch off numerous afternoon showers and storms for the next couple of days.

Although torrential tropical downpours are anticipated, flooding concerns are on the low side because of the recent drought conditions. Still, areas prone to flooding could experience standing water at times.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, in late May released its official forecast for the upcoming season, predicting 12-17 named storms, 5-9 hurricanes and 1-4 major hurricanes — considered Category 3 or higher. 

An average season would bring 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.