Tropical Storm Claudette expected to form Friday in Gulf. Here’s the latest forecast
A tropical system is taking aim at the Gulf Coast, bringing the potential for heavy rain and flooding.
The system — currently called Potential Tropical Cyclone Three — could strengthen into Tropical Storm Claudette as early as Friday as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center said in its 1 p.m. update.
As of Friday morning, some bands of the tropical system had reached the coast, with more rain still offshore. Powerful winds could hit the region starting at about 8 p.m. Friday, and the system is forecast to make landfall overnight in southern Louisiana.
A tropical storm warning stretches from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle as parts of the region brace for flooding and up to 12 inches of rain.
A flash flood watch is in effect as coastal Mississippi could see 6 to 10 inches of rain, with higher amounts in some areas, forecasters said.
“Moderate rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues,” the National Weather Service’s New Orleans office said Friday morning.
Up to 3 feet of storm surge is possible in areas that are prone to storm surge. Forecasters said potential impacts are “unfolding” and could last through Saturday night.
There’s also a chance of isolated tornadoes starting overnight Friday in southern Mississippi and parts of Alabama, Florida and Louisiana, according to the National Hurricane Center.
As of about 1 p.m. CDT (2 p.m. EDT), Potential Tropical Cyclone Three was 165 miles south of Morgan City, Louisiana. It packed 45 mph maximum sustained winds as it moved north at 14 mph, according to forecasters.
The storm is forecast to move to northeast over the weekend, potentially drenching central Alabama and Georgia with rain.
A tropical storm is a low-pressure system that has a defined center and packs 39- to 73-mph maximum sustained winds. Forecasters issue a tropical storm warning when those conditions are expected to form in the forecast area sometime within the next 36 hours.
This story was originally published June 18, 2021 at 7:25 AM.
