Tropical Storm Arthur to Bring Heavy Rainfall to Gulf Coast States

A tropical storm developed off the coast of Texas on Wednesday, bringing a multiday heavy rainfall event across the Gulf Coast states.

Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is forecast to move northeastward along the west Gulf into Louisiana and Mississippi, the National Weather Service said. The storm could produce maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and rainfall of 5 to 10 inches.

Widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Areas along the Gulf will see heavy rainfall of 1.5 inches to 3 inches/hour.

A significant flash flood threat will be in effect late Wednesday into Thursday for southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. The region could see 4 to 7 inches of additional rain, with widespread flash flooding likely, an NWS alert said.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance urged residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and to make an evacuation plan.

“Regardless of development, Louisianans should monitor this disturbance and take necessary precautions including protecting your property by clearing gutters and storm drains, securing valuables and having an emergency plan in place,” Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said.

Arthur is expected to move farther eastward through the Southeast from Thursday to Friday morning, the NWS said, bringing significant rainfall to Alabama and western Georgia.