Atlantic season’s first named storm forms off Florida

Alan Diaz / AP

Stefano Campodonico, of Miami, body boards a small wave in Miami Beach, Fla., Tuesday, July 1, 2014. Tropical Storm Arthur has formed off the central Florida coast, becoming the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.

Associated Press

Published Tuesday, July 1, 2014 | 8:01 a.m.

Updated Tuesday, July 1, 2014 | 11:10 a.m.

MIAMI — With a holiday weekend looming, the first named storm of the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season formed off the central Florida coast Tuesday, but Arthur wasn't yet packing much of a punch.

The storm was forecast to produce 1 to 3 inches of rain across the state's eastern peninsula and expected to strengthen over the next 48 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. A tropical storm watch was in effect for Florida's east coast, from Fort Pierce to Flagler Beach.

In Daytona Beach, red flags flew on lifeguard stands to warn swimmers of hazardous conditions. By mid-day, a dozen swimmers had been aided by lifeguards when they got caught in a rip current. On any given day, 15 to 20 swimmers need help, said Tammy Marris, a spokeswoman for the Volusia County Beach Patrol.

The storm's maximum sustained winds were about 40 mph (65 kph), according to the hurricane center. It was centered about 95 miles (155 kilometers) southeast of Cape Canaveral and was moving northwest at 2 mph (4 kph).