Tropical Storm Arlene To Bring 6 Inches Of Rain To FL Before Weakening

FLORIDA — Tropical Storm Arlene, which became a named storm on only the second day of the 2023 hurricane season, is expected to drop 6 inches of rain overnight in some parts of central and south Florida, forecasts said.

As Arlene continues to move slowly south-southeast in the Gulf of Mexico its maximum sustained winds remain near 40 mph with higher gusts, according to the National Hurricane Center's afternoon update Friday. The storm is expected to weaken Friday night, and it is forecast to degenerate into a remnant low on Saturday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 70 miles north of the center.

Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with localized higher amounts up to 6 inches are possible through Saturday across portions of the central and southern Florida Peninsula. The heavy rainfall could lead to isolated flash, urban, and small stream flooding impacts.

There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect in Florida, although the National Weather Service said the depression could contribute to more rainfall from Tampa Bay south to the Miami region over the weekend.

Related:

• Tropical Depression 2 In Gulf Of Mexico May Become TS Arlene
• Disorganized Thunderstorms In Gulf Of Mexico Head Toward Florida
• 1st Tropical Disturbance Of 2023 On National Hurricane Center's Radar
• Hurricane Season 2023 Predictions: NOAA Issues Forecast
• Storm Surge Forecast, Better Communication Priority For NHC Head
• 2023 Hurricane, Tropical Storm Names Released For Atlantic Season
• 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast: What It Means In Florida
• 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Released By CSU Researchers

Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its hurricane outlook for the 2023 season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, saying the Atlantic coast of the U.S. can expect a "near normal" year that could include four major hurricanes that are a category 3 or higher.

NOAA predicts 12 to 17 named storms with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of these named storms, anywhere from five to nine could become hurricanes with winds that are 74 mph or higher.