It developed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico on July 28, and after moving ashore over the Florida Peninsula, it attained tropical storm status.

It accelerated northeast along the U.S. East Coast, ultimately peaking as a moderate storm with winds of 60 mph (97 km/h) before crossing the Mid-Atlantic states and New England; it dissipated on July 31 over southern Canada.

It inflicted moderate damage in Florida, the worst since Hurricane Easy of 1950, and dropped heavy rainfall as far north as New York City.

A weak low-pressure area that organized in the northeast Gulf of Mexico began to intensify on July 28, while located west of the Tampa Bay.

[1] Early in its life, the system had a broad circulation with primarily light winds, similar to that of a subtropical storm.

Wind gusts exceeded 60 mph (97 km/h), and the storm produced 10 ft (3.0 m) high waves along the coast, leading to considerable erosion.

[1] Around the Naples area, Brenda's effects were primarily light, although small boat and dock facilities and roads sustained some damage.

[12] Moderate rains extended northward into the Mid-Atlantic states, with lighter totals reported farther north in New York.

[13] The storm forced the cancellation of two American League baseball games and the postponement of several other sporting events around the area.