Rainfall of Up to a Foot a Possibility Along Gulf Coast

A powerful tropical rainstorm is picking up intensity as it chugs along the busy Interstate 10 corridor in the Gulf Coast region and into the Southeast. Here is what forecasters are warning the rain totals could look like by the time that this system wraps up.

Tropical Rainstorm Unleashing Heavy Rain Across Gulf Coast and Beyond

A tropical rainstorm is moving to the east along the Gulf Coast, bringing heavy rain and windy conditions. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) warns that there is the possibility that this weather maker could evolve into a tropical depression or even a tropical storm as it feeds on the moisture-rich air in this area. However, the close proximity to land will likely limit its ability to take on a name. Even if the system does not take on defined tropical characteristics worthy of a name, it will still create a number of dangerous impacts in the hours ahead.

Residents in this corner of the U.S. should be prepared for significant disruptions to outdoor plans. Not only will beach plans likely be stymied but Friday night high school football games may also be in doubt due to the conditions. Motorists are also likely to face hazardous road conditions at times.

It has already been a soggy week at the hands of this storm. The system first came to life late last week in the northwestern Gulf Coast. The storm then pushed farther inland into Texas, producing a wet Labor Day weekend. What was left of the storm after it moved inland was able to reorganize and strengthen over the last few days.

How Much Rain to Expect

The forecast is calling for rainfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour in a zone from the northeastern edge of Texas and across into the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia. The slow forward speed of the storm will amplify these rainfall amounts as the core of the moisture trains over the same general area for an extended period of time. Major urban flooding is a good possibility in cities such as New Orleans, Beaumont, Mobile, Biloxi, Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville.