NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Residents along the northern Gulf Coast should continue to keep a close eye on a developing system in the Gulf of Mexico that could soon strengthen into a tropical storm.
Low Pressure System Nearly a Tropical Storm
A low-pressure system over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico is continuing to generate a large area of showers and thunderstorms. Although the system lacks a well-defined center, satellite data shows it is producing winds between 40 and 45 miles per hour (mph) on its western side.
National Hurricane Center forecasters say environmental conditions are favorable for further development, and a tropical storm is expected to form within the next day.
The system is expected to move northwestward and then northward, potentially impacting the Gulf Coast of Mexico, as well as upper Texas and Louisiana, with additional strengthening possible later this week.
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches Expected Soon
People along the Gulf Coast of Mexico, upper Texas, and Louisiana are being advised by the NHC to closely monitor the system’s progress.
Hurricane Watches and Tropical Storm Watches could be issued for parts of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas later today, with additional watches likely for Texas and Louisiana tonight or Monday.
An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is currently en route to investigate the system this afternoon. The disturbance has a high chance of becoming a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next 48 hours.
Flooding Concerns Across South Louisiana
Residents in the New Orleans area should be prepared for potential heavy rainfall and flooding concerns. Forecast confidence regarding the potential tropical system begins to decrease by Tuesday, but one thing is certain: a surge of tropical moisture will move into the area.
With already saturated soils, locally heavy downpours of 2 to 3 inches per hour could quickly lead to flash flooding, particularly in areas along and south of the I-10 corridor.
Rain chances will increase significantly by Tuesday into Tuesday night, with cooler temperatures expected. Areas south of I-10 may see highs only reaching the lower 80s, while more inland areas with less storm activity could see temperatures in the mid-80s.
Looking ahead to Wednesday and Thursday, the forecast will heavily depend on the evolution of the tropical system. If the system intensifies, expect more widespread rain, with rainfall rates of 3 to 4 inches per hour in the heaviest bands.
The already waterlogged region may experience more flooding, and breezy conditions with southerly winds of 15 to 20 mph could result in coastal flooding along south-facing shores.
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