The first named storm of the 2023 season, Tropical Storm Arlene, developed early today in the Gulf of Mexico.
The National Hurricane Center reported they have designated the storm, which was 240 miles west of Fort Myers, Florida, in an advisory that was released shortly after 1:30 pm.
Arlene, a Tropical Storm, Develops in the Gulf of Mexico
In a warning, the National Hurricane Center stated that the storm was headed toward Cuba and that there were no coastal watches or warnings in place at the moment.
They named the storm after reporting that it had sustained winds of 40 mph.
Storms with sustained winds of 39 mph are given a name, and when they reach 74 mph or 111 mph, they are classified as hurricanes and major hurricanes, respectively.
According to their forecast, rainfall from risks might amount to three inches overall, but in central and southern Florida, it could exceed six inches.
The center stated that they anticipate Arlene to deteriorate on Saturday after weakening by tonight.
It follows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) prediction that the current hurricane season will be “near-normal.”
For the season, which spans from June 1 to November 30, they predict a 40% possibility of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season, and a 30% risk of a below-normal season.
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NOAA Forecasts Active Hurricane Season
According to NOAA, there might be 12 to 17 named storms overall, with 5 to 9 of those having the potential to intensify into hurricanes.
Additionally, their estimate, the season may see four significant storms.
According to the National Weather Service in Miami, a flood watch has now been issued for parts of the South and Southeast of Florida.
The data and knowledge NOAA provides to disaster managers and partners to assist decision-making before, during, and after a hurricane has never been more essential, according to NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D.
In order to help communities and emergency managers prepare for storms, this year we are operationalizing a new hurricane forecast model and expanding the tropical cyclone outlook graphic from five to seven days.
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