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Tropical Storm Arlene forms in the Gulf of Mexico

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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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.

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:

Jason Kelly

Jason Kelly, WFTV.com

Jason Kelly joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2014. He serves as the station's Digital Executive Producer.