More Rain on Deck for the Gulf Coast and South-Central U.S.

The window has closed for a named tropical feature to come to life in the Gulf. However, that does not mean that the U.S. will not continue to see impacts. Here is a look at the messy situation developing across the Gulf Coast and to the north.

Tropical Rainstorm Dumping Rain Across the Gulf Coast

A tropical rainstorm moved ashore the central Gulf Coast on Thursday, ushering in heavy rain and breezy conditions. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been monitoring this feature for days as it moved across Florida and into the Gulf before making a turn to the north. At one point, the NHC had warned that the weather maker could take on formal tropical characteristics. Although this did not come to fruition, the system is still capable of delivering flash flooding to the impacted region.

The heaviest rain bands are setting up over the Louisiana coastline. A number of urban areas are in this impact zone, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles. Motorists using the Interstate 10 corridor will want to be vigilant when traveling over the next few days.

The latest forecast models indicate that the storm will continue to move to the north and the east in the coming hours. In addition to Louisiana, portions of Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, and Florida may see times of torrential rain.

It is important to remember that even a poorly organized tropical feature can generate dangerous flooding. Forecasters are also concerned that the weak steering breezes in this part of the Gulf Coast will cause the storm to stall over southern Louisiana. This could translate to some areas seeing repeated downpours, raising the risk of flooding further.

The mass of moisture will stretch to the west into the eastern edge of Texas and to the north into Arkansas. Widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches are in the forecast for southern Louisiana to the east into Mississippi. Localized rainfall amounts of up to a foot are not out of the question.

The biggest danger will come from expected rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour. Rainfall of this magnitude over a short period of time could swiftly overwhelm drainage systems, especially in low-lying urban areas such as New Orleans. Meteorologists are predicting flooding for portions of Louisiana, the southwestern corner of Mississippi, and near the border of Texas and Louisiana.

The torrential rain is predicted to expand to the lower and middle Mississippi Valley throughout the day Friday and into the weekend. The silver lining is that wind gusts will not be a significant factor with this weather maker. The highest winds are expected to whip around near Interstate 10.

There is also the possibility of a few tornadoes or waterspouts spinning to life near the central Gulf Coast.

Local Forecasts in Detail

Now let's look at a few local forecasts within the primary impact zone. New Orleans will be in the bullseye of the worst impacts. Friday's forecast is calling for thunderstorms in the morning with rain showers lingering into the afternoon hours. Winds will be out of the south-southwest at 10 to 15 mph. Temperatures will hover in the mid 80s for a high before slipping slightly into the upper 70s overnight.

The rain will begin to move out by Saturday in the Big Easy. While you cannot rule out a stray rain shower or thunderstorm to start the weekend, gradually improving conditions will be the story. Highs will approach the 90-degree mark on both Saturday and Sunday in New Orleans, with high humidity levels making it feel even steamier.

Heading to the east, Biloxi, Mississippi, will see windier conditions. This part of the Gulf Coast can expect winds of 10 to 20 mph coming from the south-southwest. Like the rest of the region, temperatures will not vary greatly throughout the day and night with highs in the mid 80s and readings that bottom out in the upper 70s after the sun goes down.

You will find a similar situation in Mobile, Alabama. This metro area will be under the gun for rain showers and thunderstorms throughout the day with the chance of heavy rain. The forecast is calling for a high of about 85 degrees, lows that fall into the mid 70s, and winds out of the south at 10 to 15 mph.

Moving in the other direction, Beaumont, Texas, will also be dealing with scattered storms on Friday. Temperatures will max out in the low 80s before sliding into the mid 70s overnight.

Looking ahead to next week, the NHC will be monitoring the Gulf and the waters off of the southeastern coastline for more potential tropical development. We will continue to keep tabs on this situation as the tropical weather season kicks into high gear.

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