Additional Coverage:
- Florida braces for tropical storm Dexter as storm’s wild path threatens Gulf Coast flooding and fierce winds (irishstar.com)
Potential Tropical Storm Dexter Threatens Gulf Coast
A weather system currently moving across Florida is expected to enter the Gulf of Mexico and potentially impact Louisiana by Thursday. Forecast models suggest this system, currently designated Invest 93L, could strengthen into Tropical Storm Dexter.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm’s path. While some models predict a direct hit on Louisiana on Friday, the storm’s track and intensity remain uncertain.
A more southerly reformation of the storm’s center could shift its trajectory. However, experts believe a tropical storm is the most likely scenario if the system moves further offshore.
This hurricane season has already seen three named storms: Andrea, Barry, and Chantal. Chantal caused significant flooding in North Carolina in July. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November.
AccuWeather forecasts predict heavy rain, storm surge of one to three feet, and winds up to 60 mph in southeastern Louisiana by Thursday afternoon. Coastal Mississippi could also be affected if the system strengthens before landfall.
Regardless of development, significant rainfall is anticipated across the region. Residents along the coast from Galveston, Texas, to Panama City, Florida, are urged to prepare their properties for potential flooding.
Meteorologist Nick Lilja emphasized the importance of clearing drainage areas and ensuring water can easily flow off properties. He specifically warned residents between Morgan City, Louisiana, and Panama City, Florida, to brace for a potential “48-hour washout” between Wednesday and Sunday.
While Texas is not currently in the storm’s projected path, residual moisture could trigger scattered storms in Southeast Texas, particularly east of Interstate 45.
The National Hurricane Center reports Invest 93L is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms across the Florida Panhandle. They give the system a 40% chance of developing into a cyclone within the next 48 hours and the next seven days. Conditions over the Gulf are favorable for further development if the system moves sufficiently offshore.
Meteorologist Chris Mulcahy suggests tropical storm development is increasingly likely over the next two days. He cautions that parts of Louisiana are already at high risk for flooding. Even if the system doesn’t become a tropical storm, the potential for heavy, flooding rainfall remains a serious concern, particularly if the storm stalls near southeastern Louisiana.