Arthur, the first named storm of the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season, has officially formed. With winds speeds measured at 40 mph earlier today, the system developed into a tropical storm off the Atlantic coast of Florida.

According to forecasters at the National Hurricane Center, Arthur is expected to strengthen and move north along the eastern seaboard over the next few days. In addition to producing rain and gusty winds, the storm will also create dangerous rip currents at beaches up and down the east coast. Sadly, many July 4th holiday plans in the coastal regions of the Mid-Atlantic States will likely be disrupted.

Credit: National Hurricane Center