Updated June 10, 2005—Tropical Storm Arlene, the first named tropical storm of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, churned toward the U.S. Gulf Coast on Friday. The storm (pictured in a satellite image taken earlier today) has already lashed Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and parts of southern Florida with heavy rains and strong winds.

Arlene now carries winds with sustained speeds of 60 miles an hour (97 kilometers an hour), up from 45 miles an hour (72 kilometers) earlier today. Forecasters warn the storm could reach hurricane strength as Arlene travels toward the U.S. Gulf Coast.

This afternoon the National Hurricane Center in Miami said isolated tornadoes may occur in the Florida Keys and southern Florida.

—Sean Markey

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