Severe Weather Alert in the Gulf Coast Region
In Brownsville, Texas, residents are being urged to prepare for potential severe weather as the National Hurricane Center has officially classified a disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico as Potential Tropical Cyclone Six. This weather system is predicted to strengthen and may develop into a hurricane as it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast this week.
Storm Development and Watches Issued
The forecast indicates that this system could reach tropical storm strength within the next day. Consequently, tropical storm watches have already been issued in Mexico from Barra del Tordo northward to the Mouth of the Rio Grande, and in Texas from the Mouth of the Rio Grande to Port Mansfield. It is likely that hurricane, storm surge, and tropical storm watches will be announced early Monday for certain areas along Louisiana’s coast as well as the Upper Texas coastline.
Projected Path of the Storm
According to meteorological predictions, the storm is expected to track northward through the early part of the week. It could arrive at the Upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines on Wednesday as either a tropical storm or a hurricane. Rainfall totals from this system could potentially range from 4 to 8 inches, with isolated amounts reaching as high as 12 inches. This rainfall is likely to fall on already saturated soil from previous downpours, significantly increasing the risk of flash flooding in the region.
Hurricane Season Heating Up
Interestingly, it has been over two weeks since the last named storm, Hurricane Ernesto, moved through the Atlantic basin. However, as the statistical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season approaches on September 10, conditions appear to be becoming more active. The National Hurricane Center is currently monitoring two additional disturbances that could potentially develop into tropical storms over the coming days.
Invest 92L Shows Potential
One of the disturbances the NHC is keeping an eye on is located east of the Lesser Antilles and has been designated as Invest 92L. This system is a broad area of low pressure, and computer models indicate that it has a high chance of developing into a tropical system within the next week. This system is expected to move northwestward over the first half of the week, and its evolution will be closely monitored.
Additionally, there is another area of interest located to the east of Invest 92L with a medium chance of formation over the coming week. The potential for development in these regions is increasing and could lead to impacts felt in the Caribbean by late this week.
Stay Informed
As these weather systems continue to develop, it is crucial for residents in affected areas to stay informed about updates and advisories from local weather authorities. Ensuring preparedness for possible flooding, strong winds, and heavy rain is essential as the Gulf Coast braces for what could be a significant weather event this week.
