TS Arlene Continues Toward Mexico
MIAMI (CBS4) – Tropical Storm Arlene continues a slow march toward the coast of Mexico.
A Hurricane Watch and a Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for northeastern Mexico as Arlene, the first tropical storm of the 2011 hurricane season, moves in.
Tropical Storm Arlene developed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico just on Tuesday.
As of 11 p.m. Wednesday, Arlene was positioned roughly 125 miles east of Tampico, Mexico with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. Arlene was moving to the west near 6 mph with landfall expected on Thursday.
Some strengthening is forecasted through into Thursday and Arlene could become a Category 1 hurricane just before landfall.
Forecasters say the storm is not likely to hit the U.S., but extreme south Texas could get some rain from the system.
The Mexican government issued tropical storm warnings for the eastern coast of Mexico from La Cruz north to La Pesca and from Palma Sola south to Veracruz.
A Hurricane Watch was issued for the coast of eastern Mexico from Barra De Nautla north to La Cruz.
Tropical Storm Arlene could produce heavy rain to the area, potentially triggering flooding and mudslides.
Arlene is expected to produce total rainfall accumulating from four to eight inches over the Mexica states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, eastern San Luis Potosi and eastern Nuevo Leon.
