Gulf Coast Prepares for Heavy Rain as Storm Nears Tropical Depression Status

Stanley Gray
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Gulf Coast Prepares for Heavy Rain as Storm Nears Tropical Depression Status

The National Hurricane Centre said Wednesday’s weather system travelling across the Florida Panhandle was exhibiting a higher likelihood of developing into a tropical depression as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast.

As the system moves west across the Gulf into southeastern Louisiana on Thursday, the federal agency said it has a 40% chance of turning into a tropical depression.

How far it moves offshore, where the circumstances are favourable for a tropical depression, before it reaches Louisiana will determine how severe its effects are. Mississippi and Alabama will also be impacted by the tropical weather.

Officials cautioned that flooding could result from heavy downpours regardless of how severe the system gets.

According to the National Weather Service, New Orleans is expected to receive 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 centimetres) of rain through Saturday, but some locations, particularly those close to the coast, may receive up to 10 inches (25 centimetres).

Heat Wave Hits Millions as New Orleans Prepares for Possible Flooding“While a tropical depression cannot be ruled out near the coast on Thursday, the main focus remains the heavy rain threat,” the agency stated.

On Wednesday morning at the Dryades YMCA, volunteers and local political officials shovelled sand into bags to distribute to New Orleans citizens while listening to music.

Following a string of deadly floods this summer, the southeast is now facing an imminent threat. Two people were killed by flash floods that flooded sections of New Jersey and New York City on Monday. Additionally, floodwaters that overflowed Texas Hill Country on July 4th killed at least 132 people.

If it becomes a named storm, the system that is circulating over Florida will be referred to as Dexter. Three tropical storms, Andrea, Barry, and Chantal, have been named six weeks into the Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June 1 to November 30. However, no hurricanes have been formed.

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An 83-year-old woman was murdered when her car was washed off a rural road in North Carolina due to flooding caused by the remains of Chantal, which made landfall in South Carolina last week.

In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association stated that there was a 60% probability that this hurricane season will see more named storms than previous years on average.

By the end of the week, the weather system that is now building is predicted to travel completely inland.

The area most likely to be affected Thursday and beyond is southern Louisiana, which is all too familiar with the potentially disastrous effects of floods.

Within a day of the threat becoming more serious, local elected authorities were able to plan the delivery of storm supplies, according to Erika Mann, CEO of the Dryades YMCA.

Stanley Gray

Stanley Gray

With over two years of experience in journalism, Stanley Gray brings clarity and depth to U.S. news coverage. His ability to break down complex topics and highlight key issues ensures that readers stay informed and engaged.

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