This story was updated with new information.
Could Floridians be seeing the first storm system of 2026 soon? Yes, but not all Floridians will experience its full impact.
The National Hurricane Center announced the formation of Tropical Storm Arthur at 11 a.m. June 17, as Potential Tropical Cyclone One strengthened. It had become the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
In Florida, multiple rounds of rain could bring a threat for a “significant flood event” on June 18 to the western Panhandle, according to the National Weather Service Mobile. The area is under a flood watch on June 17. “Fringe effects” are expected in the Central Panhandle, according to the National Weather Service Tallahassee, in a post of X, warning residents that heavy rain and severe weather are possible.
Ahead of a possible storm, here’s a look at seven past tropical storms and hurricanes named Arthur.
Where is Potential Tropical Cyclone One?
As of the 8 a.m., June 17 National Hurricane Center advisory, highlights on Potential Tropical Cyclone One include:
Some strengthening is forecast, and the disturbance could become a tropical storm today, the National Hurricane Center said.
The low-pressure area should move northeastward along the Texas coast today and then move inland over southwestern Louisiana by tonight.
Weakening is anticipated once the low moves inland, and it could dissipate by tonight or early June 18.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for Sabine Pass, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana, and a tropical storm watch is in effect for Sargent, Texas, to Sabine Pass.
Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida
See report of seven past storms named Arthur
National Hurricane Center tracking 5 tropical waves
There are five tropical waves being watched by forecasters:
When is hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said.
➤ 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins today. What can Florida expect?
The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump.
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What’s next?
We will update our tropical weather coverage daily to bring you the most current information you need to protect your home and family.
Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Tropical Storm Arthur ahead. Here’s what other storms by that name did
Reporting by Samantha Neely and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Samantha Neely and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
