Arlene weakens to tropical depression in gulf

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The short-lived first named storm of 2023 has lost strength and is a tropical depression again.

At 10 a.m., the center of Tropical Depression Arlene was located near latitude 24.2 North, longitude 85.1 West.

The depression is moving toward the south-southeast near 7 mph. A turn to the east is expected by Saturday night, and that motion should continue until the system dissipates.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 mph with higher gusts. Continued weakening is forecast and Arlene is expected to become a remnant low later on Saturday.

The estimated minimum central pressure based on data from the Air Force Hurricane Hunters is 1000 mb (29.53 inches).

Hurricane season officially kicked off Thursday. It runs through Nov. 30.

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