Tropical Storm Arthur over the Yucatan Peninsula, expected to weaken over land later today.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the coast of Belize, and for Mexico from Cabo Catoche southward to the border with Belize. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area, in this case, within the next 6 to 12 hours.

For storm information specific to your area, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local weather office.

At 200 pm edt, 1800z, the center of tropical storm arthur was located near latitude 18.3 north, longitude 88.6 west or about 50 miles, 80 km, north-northwest of belize city and about 185 miles, 300 km, southwest of cozumel mexico.

Arthur is moving toward the west-northwest near 8 mph, 13 km/hr. On this track the center of circulation will be moving over yucatan today and early Sunday.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 40 mph, 65 km/hr, with higher gusts. These winds are occurring primarily over water well to the northeast and east of the center. Arthur is expected to weaken today as it moves farther inland over Yucatan.

Tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 260 miles, 415 km mainly to the northeast of the center.

Estimated minimum central pressure is 1005 mb, 29.68 inches.

Arthur is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 5 to 10 inches over Belize and portions of the Yucatan Peninsula with isolated amounts up to 15 inches.

Repeating the 200 pm edt position, 18.3 n, 88.6 w. Movement toward, west-northwest near 8 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 40 mph. Minimum central pressure, 1005 mb.

The next advisory will be issued by the National Hurricane Center at 500 pm edt.

http://www.nola.com/hurricane/index.ssf/2008/05/tropical_storm_arthur_first_of.html