ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical Depression 2 strengthened into Tropical Storm Arlene on Friday as it continues to slowly move south through the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Read live updates below:
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1:40 p.m. update:
Tropical Storm Arlene has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center said Friday afternoon.
There is no change to the forecast and no significant threat to land.
Read: Florida warns residents over storm-related scams as new hurricane season begins
The storm has maximum sustained winds of about 40 mph.
Watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News, beginning at 4 p.m., for live updates from certified meteorologist Rusty McCranie.
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Tropical Depression Two has been upgraded to Tropical Storm #Arlene in the Gulf of Mexico. No change to the forecast and no significant threat to land. See https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ for details. pic.twitter.com/VCKrb9BHwp
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) June 2, 2023
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Read: NOAA forecasters release predictions for 2023 Atlantic hurricane season
12:22 p.m. update:
There have been no major strength chances of Tropical Depression 2 since Friday morning.
The storm system continues to slowly move south towards Cuba.
Tropical Depression #Two Advisory 4: Depression Moving Slowly Southward With Little Change In Strength. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) June 2, 2023
Channel 9 meteorologists now believe the storm will not be able to strengthen into a named storm before it falls about by this weekend.
TD2 is moving into a very sheared environment, which is not conducive to tropical development.
Original report:
TD2 could become the first named storm of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season on Friday.
Read: Hurricane season: Are you ready? Survey says many Floridians are not
Regardless of if it gets named or not, Central Florida is not forecast to see any impacts from the storm.
It will drift southward close to Western Cuba this weekend where it will weaken significantly.
Locally, we will have an increase in our rain coverage Friday.
Channel 9 will continue to monitor TD2 and provide updates on Eyewitness News.
Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:
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