Flooding threat in New Orleans due to potential Tropical Cyclone 6

TROPICAL OUTLOOK: The National Hurricane Center has officially identified Potential Tropical Cyclone 6 in the Gulf of Mexico. The system is located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and will move north along the coast of Mexico and Texas. It will bring very heavy rains to southeastern Louisiana for several days this week. CURRENT WARNINGS: Tropical storm warnings have been issued along the coast of northern Mexico. MOST LIKELY PATH: Forecast data for the storm's direction is fairly consistent with the forecast of its likely path. Most of the data focuses on a track that will take the system just off the coast of northern Mexico and Texas, then turn northeast and make landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border. TIMING: Tropical storm force winds are expected to arrive by noon Wednesday. LOCAL IMPACTS: Regardless of exactly where the storm makes landfall, southeastern Louisiana will be hit by a range of impacts. WIND: Current forecast data shows possible wind gusts up to 50-60 mph across the region. STORM SURGE: Data shows possible surges between 10 and 15 feet. This would indicate that significant storm surge is likely. STORM TIMING: Forecast data agrees that Wednesday is the most likely day for the most impact, but some of the data shows the storm continuing well into Thursday as well. The forecast calls for the most storms on Wednesday and a tornado threat as well. The same forecast also predicts strong gales and winds into early Thursday morning. RAINFALL: After some heavy rain over the past two weeks, flooding may be our biggest concern. Meteorologists are predicting widespread totals of 3 to 5 inches, with even higher amounts locally. At this time, we are confident this storm will develop into a tropical storm and at least a Category 1 hurricane. Since intensity forecasts are known to be conservative, it's possible it could strengthen into an even stronger hurricane before it makes landfall. Take time now to make sure you have what you need to survive several days of possible power outages. Most importantly, follow all of the updates listed here so you can head out as early as possible if you need to evacuate. The entire First Warning Weather Team at WDSU will continue to provide you with the latest information on this storm.

TROPICAL OUTLOOK:

The National Hurricane Center has officially upgraded Potential Tropical Cyclone Six in the Gulf of Mexico to a potential tropical cyclone. The system is located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and will move north along the coast of Mexico and Texas. It will bring very heavy rains to southeastern Louisiana for several days this week.

CURRENT WARNINGS:

Tropical storm warnings have been issued for the coast of northern Mexico.

MOST LIKELY PATH:

The forecast data for the storm's direction agrees fairly well with the forecast of its likely path. Most of the data focuses on a track that will take the system just off the coast of northern Mexico and Texas, then turn northeast and make landfall on the Texas-Louisiana border.

TIMING:

The strongest tropical storm gusts are expected to arrive around noon on Wednesday.

LOCAL IMPACTS:

Regardless of where exactly the storm makes landfall, southeastern Louisiana will be hit by a series of impacts.

WIND:

Current forecast data shows wind gusts of up to 50-60 miles per hour are possible throughout the region.

STORM SURGE:

The data shows possible wave heights between 10 and 15 feet. This would indicate that a significant storm surge is likely.

STORM TIME:

Forecast data agrees that Wednesday will be the day with the most impact, but some data shows the storm will continue well into Thursday.

Most of the storms are expected on Wednesday, and there is also a risk of tornadoes.

The same forecast also predicts strong storms and winds until early Thursday morning.

PRECIPITATION AMOUNT:

After some heavy rains over the last two weeks, flooding could be our biggest concern.

Meteorologists generally predict rainfall amounts of 7.5 to 12.5 centimetres, with higher rainfall expected locally.

Currently, we expect this storm to develop into a tropical storm and at least a Category 1 hurricane. Since intensity forecasts are known to be very conservative, it is possible that it could develop into an even stronger hurricane before making landfall.

Take time now to make sure you have everything you need to survive several days of possible power outages. Most importantly, follow all updates here so you can leave as early as possible in the event of an evacuation.

The entire WDSU First Warning Weather Team will continue to provide you with all the latest information on this storm.