Potential Tropical Cyclone Six Threatens Texas and Louisiana Coastline
With over two months left in the already active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, a potential tropical cyclone is forming in the Gulf of Mexico, posing a significant threat to the Texas and Louisiana coastlines, CNN reports.
The system, currently located about 320 miles south of Brownsville, Texas, has maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and is moving northwestward at 5 mph. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts it to strengthen into a tropical storm by Monday, with further intensification expected on Tuesday as it moves across the warm Gulf waters.
The storm, dubbed “Potential Tropical Cyclone Six” by the NHC, is expected to become a hurricane before it reaches the Texas-Louisiana coast. The next named storm will be called Francine.
“The system could bring strong winds, dangerous storm surge, and heavy rainfall, potentially affecting many of the same areas of Texas hit hard by Hurricane Beryl in July,” the NHC. siad
The storm’s arrival comes just days before the statistical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season on September 10. Colorado State University researchers indicate that around 68% of all Atlantic tropical activity typically occurs after this date.
Mexico has issued a tropical storm watch from Barra del Tordo northward to the mouth of the Rio Grande. The National Weather Service in the United States has also issued a Tropical Storm watch from the mouth of the Rio Grande to Port Mansfield. The NHC expects additional watches to be issued for more areas of southern Texas and Louisiana on Monday.
Tropical downpours are expected to bring 4 to 8 inches of rain, with up to 12 inches possible from the coast of far northeast Mexico northward along portions of the Texas coast and into Louisiana through Thursday.
If the storm makes landfall as a hurricane, it would be the first double-hit for Texas since 2008, when Hurricane Dolly struck Corpus Christi and Hurricane Ike made landfall in Galveston and Houston.
Residents in coastal areas are urged to stay informed and prepare for potential impacts. Secure loose objects, prepare emergency kits, and consider evacuation if advised.