Arlene (2011)

A tropical wave that emerged from Africa on 13 June moved westward and gradually organized in the western Caribbean and Bay of Campeche. A broad low formed on 27 June and became Tropical Storm Arlene around 1800 UTC 28 June about 260 nautical miles east‑southeast of Tampico, Mexico. Arlene moved generally west–northwest then west, reached peak strength just before landfall, turned west–southwest after landfall, and dissipated over the mountains of central Mexico early on 1 July.

Arlene made landfall near Cabo Rojo, state of Veracruz, on 30 June around 1300 UTC. At landfall the storm had maximum sustained winds of 55 knots (63 mph) and a central pressure near 993 mb. After moving inland it weakened to a depression and dissipated over central Mexican mountains by 1 July.

The maximum intensity observed was 55 knots (63 mph) and a minimum pressure of about 993 mb, which corresponds to a high-end tropical storm (below hurricane strength). Aircraft measured flight‑level winds higher, but surface estimates and other observations supported the 55‑kt peak.

Heavy rain and storm impacts were concentrated in eastern Mexico. Widespread 24‑hour rainfall totals exceeded 6 inches across parts of eastern Mexico on 29–30 June and 30 June–1 July; Tamesí in Tamaulipas reported 13.73 inches in 24 hours (30 June–1 July). A weather station at Isla Lobos (just east of Cabo Rojo) reported sustained winds of 36 kt with a peak gust of 48 kt and a minimum pressure of 993.1 mb. Offshore buoy 42055 reported 1‑minute mean winds of 37 kt and a gust to 41 kt. An outer rain band spawned an EF‑1 tornado near Hidalgo, Texas, which caused minor damage.

Mexico reported 22 fatalities associated with Arlene, most apparently from freshwater flooding and mudslides in eastern Mexico; available information does not clearly separate direct and indirect deaths, though at least one media‑reported death (an electrocution from a downed power line) was classified as indirect. Flooding and landslides caused property damage in affected areas, but no monetary damage estimates or counts of damaged structures were provided. The Texas tornado caused only minor damage.

Arlene never became a well‑organized, classic tropical cyclone; aircraft and satellite data showed an elongated center and some separation between mid‑level and low‑level centers. Forecasts of Arlene’s genesis, track, and intensity performed well: the system was first highlighted about 72 hours before formation, and National Hurricane Center track and intensity forecasts had smaller errors than the recent five‑year averages for this storm.