Tropical Storm Arthur Becomes First Named Storm Of Season

MIAMI, FL — The National Hurricane Center warned of possible life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across much of the U.S. southeast and mid-Atlantic coasts on Sunday as Tropical Storm Arthur became the first named storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season.

A U.S. Air Force WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron investigated the low pressure system on Saturday as the unit's first storm-tasking mission of the season, which officially begins June 1.

“Mother nature doesn’t operate on a calendar, so this is a reminder to always be prepared,” U.S. Air Force Col. Jeffrey A. Van Dootingh said. “On that note, the 53rd WRS is prepared, ready and able to meet these storm taskings to provide valuable information to the NHC which can help save lives and property.”

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Arthur was packing sustained winds of 45 mph as of 11 a.m. Sunday morning, surpassing the 39 mph threshold to be considered a tropical storm.

"Arthur is moving toward the north-northeast near 9 mph ... A turn toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected during the next 24 to 48 hours," the National Hurricane Center said in its 11 a.m. advisory.

A tropical storm watch was in effect for Surf City to Duck, North Carolina and from Pamlico and Albermarle Sounds.

The National Hurricane Center said Arthur is expected to stay offshore.

"On the forecast track, Arthur will remain well offshore the east coast of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina today, and then move near or just east of the coast of North Carolina on Monday," weather officials said. "Arthur is forecast to turn away from the U.S. East Coast on Tuesday."

The system was expected to produce rain accumulations of 1 to 3 inches over coastal North Carolina on Sunday night and Monday with higher amounts possible in some areas.

"Swells generated by Arthur are affecting portions of the southeast U.S. coast and are expected to spread northward along the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast during the next day or two," according to the National Hurricane Center. "These swells could cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions across much of the U.S. southeast and mid-Atlantic coasts."

Florida health officials suspended coronavirus testing at Hard Rock Stadium over the weekend as a precaution.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30. It is not uncommon to have named storms prior to the official start of the season.

This year's list of Atlantic storm names includes Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred.

The Atlantic basin includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center will issue its outlook for the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific basins on May 21, just ahead of the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season.