Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is bringing heavy rainfall and flooding risks to the Gulf Coast. The storm, currently located 40 miles east-northeast of Port O'Connor, Texas, has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving northeastward. It is expected to make landfall in southwestern Louisiana by Wednesday night and dissipate shortly afterward.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Tropical Storm Arthur is producing rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 20 inches through early Friday. The storm surge could reach 2 to 4 feet in coastal areas from Port Bolivar, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana. A tropical storm warning is in effect from High Island, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana, with a tropical storm watch extending from Sargent, Texas, to High Island.
Deeper Dive & Context
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that the main threat from Arthur is prolonged heavy rainfall, which could lead to life-threatening flash flooding. Areas from Houston to Atlanta are under flood watch advisories. The storm is also expected to bring isolated weak tornadoes in southeast Texas, southern Louisiana, and southern Mississippi.
Rainfall and Flooding Risks
The NHC predicts that Arthur will dump 5 to 10 inches of rain across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of the Florida Panhandle. Localized areas may receive 2 to 4 inches of rain per hour, particularly near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and southern Mississippi. Storm surge combined with normal tide levels could flood normally dry areas near the coast.
Storm Surge and Tornadoes
In addition to heavy rainfall, Arthur is expected to produce storm surge levels of 2 to 4 feet along the coast. Isolated weak tornadoes are possible in southeast Texas, southern Louisiana, and southern Mississippi from Wednesday afternoon through the night.
Forecast and Dissipation
Arthur is expected to weaken as it moves inland over Louisiana and dissipate by Wednesday night or early Thursday. Despite its short lifespan, the storm's slow movement will prolong the heavy rainfall threat, even after its center moves inland.