Tropical Storm Arlene expected to make landfall in Mexico: NWS

TAMPICO, Mexico—The first named storm of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to make landfall early Thursday in northeastern Mexico, the National Weather Service said Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Arlene packed sustained winds of nearly 50 mph, according to an advisory issued Wednesday. But the weather service forecast that the storm would strengthen, adding that “Arlene could approach hurricane strength prior to landfall.”

The storm was about 150 miles east-southeast of Tampico, Mexico, Wednesday afternoon.

A hurricane watch was in effect from Barra de Nautla northward to La Cruz, Mexico.

The weather service said in addition to high winds, heavy rains accompanying the storm could cause flash floods and mudslides in the area.