Tropical Storm Path Shows State Most At Risk For Direct Impact
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A disturbance that could become Tropical Storm Dexter moved through Florida on Tuesday and is now in the Gulf, with meteorologists anticipating impacts associated with the storm to soon hit numerous states, regardless of whether it strengthens into a tropical storm or not.
However, one state looks to have the highest risk of direct impact, according to a map from AccuWeather.
Why It Matters
The Atlantic hurricane season, having begun on June 1, entered a heightened state of vigilance this week as forecasters began tracking the newest disturbance. The possible formation of Tropical Storm Dexter, following recent development of storms such as Chantal, underscored warnings from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) about warm water temperatures and conducive atmospheric factors in the Gulf.
An NHC forecast displayed the at-risk area spanning from Florida to Louisiana, signaling major U.S. population centers and critical infrastructure could face storm conditions before the end of the week.
What to Know
Heavy rain is the largest concern, with widespread amounts of 4 to 8 inches possible across parts of Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. The storm's direct landfall looks like it will occur in Louisiana, a map of the tropical eye path from AccuWeather showed. Forecasts anticipate landfall could happen around 2 p.m. local time on Thursday.
A map from AccuWeather shows the storm will make landfall in Louisiana on Thursday afternoon.
A map from AccuWeather shows the storm will make landfall in Louisiana on Thursday afternoon.
AccuWeather
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva told Newsweek he was particularly "concerned about flooding potential in Louisiana" later this week, as the storm looks like it might stall or slow considerably over the state.
"That could cause some potentially widespread flooding issues in that area," DaSilva said.
DaSilva said major cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge could see the most rain.
Lesser rain, ranging from 1 to 4 inches, could affect the rest of Louisiana and most of Mississippi, as well as parts of Arkansas, Alabama, and Texas. Florida received heavy rain from the system on Tuesday.
In addition to rainfall, dangerous surf and rip currents were forecast along the Gulf Coast, raising risks for swimmers and boaters.
The system remained disorganized as of the latest NHC advisory, but the agency cautioned that development could occur as it moved west into more favorable conditions.
As of the most recent NHC forecast, the disturbance has a 40 percent chance of forming into a tropical storm within the next 48 hours.
What People Are Saying
DaSilva told Newsweek: "It looks like it's going to bring a lot of rainfall to Louisiana."
NHC in a forecast on Wednesday: "Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding over portions of Florida through today. Heavy rainfall could also cause flash flooding for portions of the north-central Gulf Coast beginning late today and continuing through Friday. For additional information, please refer to products issued by the Weather Prediction Center and your local National Weather Service office."
What Happens Next
If development occurs, the system would be named Tropical Storm Dexter before making landfall in Louisiana, likely on Thursday afternoon.
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