ORLANDO, Fla. – Tropical Depression 2 has become Tropical Storm Arlene as it continues to linger off Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. The system is expected to bring more rain to the Orlando area.
The storm is located about 265 miles west of Fort Myers and was moving south at 5 mph. Sustained winds strengthened to 40 mph, with higher gusts.
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Arlene is forecast to move south at faster speeds over the next couple of days.
The system is expected to weaken tonight and could become a remnant low on Saturday.
Thursday marked the first day of the 2023 hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a “near normal” season and forecasts 12-17 named storms in 2023. Of those, five to nine could be hurricanes and one to four of those could become major hurricanes, reaching Category 3 intensity or greater.
Arlene is the first named storm of the season. Here’s a full list of storm names for 2023.
For more tips to plan and prepare for storm season, visit ClickOrlando.com/Hurricane.
CENTRAL FLORIDA FORECAST
The impacts of the depression could be felt Friday in Central Florida, where’s there’s a 60% coverage of rain is expected.
Rain chances dip to 40% for Saturday and Sunday.
The high temperature in Orlando will be 82 degrees, well shy of the average high of 90 on this date.
Highs will be in the mid-80s on Saturday and Sunday.
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