A disturbance that could become Tropical Storm Dexter passed past Florida on Tuesday and is now in the Gulf, with meteorologists expecting the storm’s consequences to affect other states soon, whether or not it evolves into a tropical storm.
However, one state appears to have the biggest danger of direct impact, according to an AccuWeather map.
Why It Matters
The Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1, entered a state of heightened alert this week as forecasters began following the latest disturbance. The potential formation of Tropical Storm Dexter, following the development of storms such as Chantal, highlighted the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) warnings about warm ocean temperatures and favorable air conditions in the Gulf.
An NHC forecast showed an at-risk area ranging from Florida to Louisiana, indicating that major U.S. population centers and vital infrastructure might suffer hurricane conditions by the end of the week.
What to Know
Heavy rain is the main concern, with 4 to 8 inches expected in areas of Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. According to AccuWeather’s tropical eye path chart, the storm’s direct landfall appears to be in Louisiana. Forecasters predict that landfall will occur about 2 p.m. local time on Thursday.
“That could cause some potentially widespread flooding issues in that area,” DaSilva said.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva told Newsweek he was “concerned about flooding potential in Louisiana” later this week, as the storm appears to stall or slow significantly over the state.
DaSilva predicted that major cities such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge would receive the greatest rainfall.
Less rain, ranging from 1 to 4 inches, could hit the rest of Louisiana and most of Mississippi, as well as areas of Arkansas, Alabama, and Texas. The system brought heavy rain to Florida on Tuesday.
In addition to rainfall, severe surf and rip currents were predicted along the Gulf Coast, posing threats to swimmers and boaters.
The system remained unorganized as of the most recent NHC advisory, but the agency warned that growth was possible as it traveled west into more favorable circumstances.
According to the most recent NHC projection, the disturbance has a 40% chance of developing into a tropical storm during the next 48 hours.
What Happens Next
If development occurs, the system will be dubbed Tropical Storm Dexter before reaching landfall in Louisiana, most likely on Thursday afternoon.
