Tropical Storm Arlene track: National Hurricane Center following system near Florida coast

Tropical Storm Arlene forms in the Gulf

Tropical Storm Arlene is heading south at 5 mph and is expected to weaken into a tropical depression later today

Tropical Storm Arlene has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, near Florida, becoming the first named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. 

The National Hurricane Center said the tropical storm is currently located over the eastern Gulf of Mexico and about 265 miles west of Fort Myers, has sustained winds of about 40 mph, and is moving south at 5 mph. 

The minimum central pressure is 1002 mb.

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Arlene is expected to weaken by Friday night and become a remnant low on Saturday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend about 70 miles northeast of the center of the storm. 

Tropical Storm Arlene forecast track

Will Tropical Storm Arlene impact Florida?

While Tropical Storm Arlene is not expected to directly impact Central Florida – and is moving south – it would bring heavy rainfall – between 1 and 2 inches, and up to 5 inches – in some spots through Saturday, according to forecasters.

However, that rainfall is not necessarily directly tied to the storm system, the NHC said.