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Tropical Storm Arthur heads up the east coast

System expected to strengthen as it moves north
Posted at 5:08 PM, May 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-17 19:54:50-04

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Tropical Storm Arthur continues to move north/northeast up the east coast.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for Surf City to Duck, North Carolina, Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds.

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A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

Arthur is moving toward the north-northeast near 9 mph. A faster northeastward motion is expected Monday.

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The latest forecast:

First Alert Forecast 5/17/20

At 500 PM EDT (2100 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Arthur was located near latitude 31.5 North, longitude 77.2 West. Arthur is moving toward the north-northeast near 9 mph (15 km/h). A turn toward the northeast with an increase in forward speed is expected during the next 24 to 36 hours. A turn toward the east is forecast to occur on Tuesday. On the forecast track, Arthur will remain well offshore of the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina tonight, and then move near or just east of the coast of North Carolina on Monday. Arthur is forecast to turn away from the east coast of the United States Monday night and Tuesday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph (75 km/h) with higher gusts. Some gradual strengthening is forecast during the next day or so. Arthur is likely to lose tropical characteristics on Tuesday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 125 miles (205 km) from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1002 mb (29.59 inches).