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Gulf Coast Braces for Potential Flooding, Tropical Development Remains Slim
A large storm system moving along the Gulf Coast is expected to bring heavy rain and potential flash flooding from Florida to Texas through the weekend. While the system has a slight chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm, the primary concern is the significant rainfall and subsequent flood risk.
Louisiana faces the highest risk, with some areas potentially seeing up to a foot of rain, particularly in the south-central region where low-lying terrain and waterways increase vulnerability. Rainfall rates could reach 2 to 3 inches per hour, quickly overwhelming drainage systems. New Orleans, still saturated from recent rains, is also susceptible to flooding.
A Level 3 out of 4 flood risk has been issued for south-central Louisiana for Thursday, with a Level 2 risk extending along the Gulf Coast from east Texas to the Florida panhandle, encompassing cities like New Orleans, Mobile, and Gulfport. This risk continues into Friday, expanding further inland in Louisiana. The heavy downpours could linger over the same areas for extended periods, exacerbating the flood threat.
In anticipation of the heavy rainfall, New Orleans officials have opened sandbag distribution sites and closed city buildings to the public on Thursday.
While warm Gulf waters typically fuel tropical development, strong upper-level winds have disrupted the storm’s organization, making it unlikely to strengthen into a named storm at this time. Regardless of its development, the National Hurricane Center warns of heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas through Friday.
Earlier this week, the same system drenched parts of Florida, causing flooding in areas like Brevard County after nearly a foot of rain fell near Tampa. Daytona Beach also experienced record-breaking rainfall on Tuesday. This recent flooding highlights the potential dangers posed by the current system along the Gulf Coast.