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Tropical Storm Arlene, the first named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane season, weakened to a tropical depression on Saturday, the National Hurricane Center said Saturday.
Arlene initially formed in the Gulf of Mexico Friday afternoon and officials from the hurricane center said the storm was expected to remain offshore and have minimal impact in Florida or any land area as it meanders south in the Gulf.
As of 10 a.m. (CT) Saturday, the system was some 145 miles west-southwest of the Dry Tortugas, and winds in the center of the storm spiraling off Florida’s west coast had dropped to 35 mph, forecasters said.
The depression was also moving south-southeast at 7 mph.
“A turn to the east is expected by tonight, and that motion should continue until the system dissipates,” the NHC reported Saturday. “Continued weakening is forecast and Arlene is expected to become a remnant low later today.”
2023’s hurricane seasonEverything to know about hurricane season 2023. Forecasts, definitions, and preparation.
Why is Arlene the second storm of the year?
While the first named storm of the 2023 season is Arlene, it will actually be the second storm of the year. A system in January was classified in May as a subtropical storm. Since the classification came during a post analysis, it did not get a name and will be documented as “Unnamed.”
Contributing: Cheryl McCloud and Doyle Rice
Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.
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