Overview
- The National Hurricane Center upgraded the disturbance over southern Texas to Potential Tropical Cyclone One on Tuesday so it can issue tropical storm watches and warnings before a storm forms.
- Forecasters give the system about a 60% chance of becoming a tropical cyclone within 48 hours, with formation possible late Tuesday or Wednesday if it spends enough time over the warm northwestern Gulf.
- A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Sargent, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana, and coastal gusts over 50 mph are possible with the strongest winds expected Wednesday before an inland push Wednesday night.
- Heavy rain is the primary threat, with most guidance calling for widespread 5–7 inches of rain and locally higher amounts that could exceed a foot in places, prompting flood watches from South Texas through Louisiana and into Mississippi.
- State and local officials are mobilizing resources — Texas issued a disaster declaration for 101 counties — and residents should follow flood-safety advice such as avoiding flooded roads and preparing for rapid flash flooding and power outages.