The Gulf Coast is bracing for the impacts of Tropical Storm Arthurwhich has intensified with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph as of Wednesday morning. The storm, located approximately 40 miles east-northeast of Port O’Connor, Texasis moving northeast at 9 mph and is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region.
At 1000 AM CDT (1500 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Arthur was identified near latitude 28.6 North, longitude 95.8 West. The storm is anticipated to move northeastward along the Texas coast and then inland over southwestern Louisiana by tonight. The Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunters have provided crucial data indicating that the storm’s intensity has increased, with higher gusts expected.
Current Conditions and Forecast
The National Weather Service has extended the Tropical Storm Warning westward to include High Island, Texasmeaning tropical storm conditions are expected within the next 12 hours. A Tropical Storm Watch is also in effect for areas from Sargent, Texas, to High Island, Texas.
Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles from the center. Recent reports from NOAA buoy 42035 east of Galveston indicated a sustained wind of 38 mph and a gust of 43 mph. The Scholes International Airport (KGLS) in Galveston reported a wind gust of 48 mph.
Potential Hazards
Tropical Storm Arthur is expected to produce rainfall totals of 5 to 10 incheswith isolated higher totals near 20 inchesthrough early Friday. This heavy rainfall could lead to dangerous to life-threatening flash flooding in areas from the Mid and Upper Texas coast east-northeast into southern and central portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, as well as western portions of Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.
The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach heights of 2 to 4 feet above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide. The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves.
Wind and Surf Conditions
Tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area today, with tropical storm force winds, especially in gusts, possible within the watch area. Swells generated by Arthur are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions along the northwestern Gulf Coast for the next couple of days. Additionally, a couple of tornadoes are possible through Thursday from the Upper Texas Coast into southern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the western Florida Panhandle.
Preparedness and Safety
Residents in the affected areas are advised to monitor updates from their local National Weather Service forecast office for specific information regarding watches and warnings. It is crucial to prepare for potential flooding, strong winds, and storm surge by securing loose objects, having an emergency kit ready, and following the guidance of local authorities.
As Tropical Storm Arthur continues to move inland, the focus will shift to monitoring its path and the potential for further intensification. Stay informed with the latest updates from reliable sources to ensure safety and preparedness.
