Tropical Depression Two is becoming better organized over the Gulf, with satellite imagery showing a better-defined circulation and increasing bands of thunderstorms near its center. However, Hurricane Hunter aircraft data indicate the system has not strengthened yet, and maximum sustained winds remain at 35 mph.
Forecasters expect the depression to slowly strengthen into a tropical storm over the next day or two before increasing wind shear begins to weaken the system later this week. The current forecast brings the center of the system near southeastern Louisiana in about 60 hours before it moves toward southeastern Texas.
The National Hurricane Center notes that the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall are expected to remain south of the storm’s center due to strong northeasterly wind shear.
Tropical storm conditions could begin affecting portions of the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle westward to southeastern Louisiana as early as late tonight into Tuesday. A Storm Surge Watch remains in effect for the coasts of Alabama, Mississippi, and southeastern Louisiana, where life-threatening storm surge is possible.
Residents across Louisiana and Texas are urged to closely monitor the system, as additional tropical storm watches or warnings may be issued. Heavy rainfall is expected through Friday, with the potential for flash flooding along the Gulf Coast from western Florida to the middle Texas coast, including southern Louisiana.
