A potential tropical storm, currently named Potential Tropical Cyclone One, is expected to bring heavy rain and dangerous flooding to parts of Louisiana and Texas today (Wednesday, June 17). The storm, which may soon be named Tropical Storm Arthur, is located about 250 miles southwest of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and is moving northeast at 6 mph.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Watch along the Gulf Coast, with a warning in effect from Sabine Pass, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana. Forecasters predict that the storm could bring up to a foot of rain, posing a severe flood risk. The system’s sustained winds are currently at 30 mph, but it is expected to strengthen as it moves over the warm waters of the Gulf.
The U.S. Coast Guard and local officials are urging residents in areas like Galveston to prepare for heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding. According to FOX Weather, Hurricane Hunter aircraft are investigating the storm to gather critical data.
Flash Flood Warnings are in place for several areas, including the New Orleans metro area, where over 400,000 people are in the threat zone. The National Weather Service advises residents to move to higher ground and avoid driving through floodwaters.
The storm is expected to make landfall along the Louisiana-Texas border by Wednesday evening, with conditions expected to improve by Thursday as the system weakens over land. WDSU reports that areas like Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Baton Rouge could see up to 10 inches of rain over the next few days.
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