Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Texas Coast
The National Hurricane Center has issued tropical storm warnings and watches for areas along the Texas coast after the formation of Tropical Storm Don just north of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. As of 10 a.m. on July 28, a NHC bulletin said TS Don should cross the central Gulf of Mexico during the day and approach the Texas coast on Friday, July 29.
A tropical storm warning was issued for the Texas coast from Port Mansfield to San Luis Pass. A tropical storm watch was issued for areas south of Port Mansfield to the mouth of the Rio Grande River.
Maximum sustained winds were 45 mph with higher gusts. The NHC anticipates gradual strengthening to occur as the system moves northwest through the Gulf of Mexico.
Coastal areas near where Don makes landfall should expect a storm surge of one to two feet, accompanied by large and damaging waves, the NHC reported.
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, the property insurance carrier of last resort for counties along the Texas coast, will not accept new policy applications once a named hurricane enters or forms in the Gulf of Mexico.
Tropical Storm Don currently is not expected to develop into a hurricane. Rainfall accumulations of up to three to five inches may be anticipated along TS Don’s inland path, with accumulations up to seven inches possible in some locations, the NHC said.