Tropical Threat Looms as Gulf Showers Move Toward Texas

The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor the Gulf for potential development. A trough of low pressure located over northeastern Mexico is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Development is not expected during the next day or so while the trough remains inland.

The trough will drift northward during the next couple of days. It is then forecast to move northeastward along the Texas coast, and possibly re-emerge over the NW Gulf late Tuesday or Wednesday. Expect scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms over the NW Gulf during this time. Some of this activity may produce wind gusts to near gale force.

If the system re-emerges over the northwestern Gulf, a short-lived tropical storm may develop. Regardless of tropical cyclone formation, interests across southern and eastern Texas and portions of Louisiana and Mississippi should prepare for periods of intense rainfall over the next several days. Gusty winds and coastal flooding are also possible along portions of the northwestern Gulf Coast, and Tropical Storm Watches or Warnings could be required on Tuesday.

Formation chance through 48 hours is 40 percent and the formation chance through 7 days is 50 percent.