A tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm this week, bringing heavy rains to Mexico and Texas before potentially becoming a hurricane, the National Weather Service reported Sunday. Winds reached 50mph on Sunday, and the storm could affect the upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines with damaging winds and storm surges from Tuesday evening. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has already mobilized emergency responders and warned of possible flash flooding.
Meteorologist Donald Jones from the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, Louisiana, noted that southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana should brace for significant rainfall mid to late this week. This disturbance follows a quiet early Atlantic hurricane season, which peaks Tuesday. So far, five named storms, including Hurricane Beryl, have occurred, with Beryl notably causing widespread power outages in Houston in July.
The upcoming storm, which would be named Francine, comes after recent predictions of one of the busiest hurricane seasons on record. Colorado State University researchers cited warm upper level temperatures and excessive wind shear for the recent lull but maintain an above-normal season is still expected. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's recent update forecasts a highly active season, with 17 to 24 named storms projected. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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