TEXAS — A tropical system tracked as Invest 97L has become better organized in the northern Gulf, with the National Hurricane Center raising development chances to 70 percent as it approaches the Upper Texas or southwestern Louisiana coastline. A short-lived tropical depression or Tropical Storm Edouard is now considered likely before the system makes landfall Tuesday or Tuesday night. Southeast Texas is expected to see rain regardless of whether further development occurs, with locally heavy rainfall possible near the Upper Texas Coast. Confidence drops considerably farther inland across Central and North Texas as well as Oklahoma.
Development Odds Climb as System Organizes in Northern Gulf
Invest 97L has strengthened its organization within the northern Gulf of Mexico, prompting the National Hurricane Center to raise its formation probability to 70 percent. Forecasters believe a short-lived tropical depression or Tropical Storm Edouard could form before the system reaches the coastline.
The system is expected to approach the Upper Texas coast or southwestern Louisiana coast around Tuesday or Tuesday night. Regardless of whether tropical designation occurs, the moisture associated with the system is expected to bring meaningful rainfall to the region.
Southeast Texas Positioned for Heaviest Rainfall Near Coast
Southeast Texas, including areas near the Upper Texas Coast and Houston, is likely to see rain from this system, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall totals. Current model guidance generally takes the system on a northwestward path after landfall.
Several inches of rain are possible across portions of Southeast Texas as the system moves inland. Communities along and near the coast should prepare for the potential of ponding and localized flooding as rain bands move through Tuesday into midweek…