MIAMI (AP) — The Atlantic hurricane season got off to an active start Wednesday as the first tropical storm of the year took shape near the Gulf Coast, threatening Texas, Louisiana, and surrounding states with heavy downpours and dangerous flash flooding, according to meteorologists.
Tropical Storm Arthur developed from a loosely organized group of storm systems that had already been producing rainfall for several days across parts of eastern Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center, based in Miami, indicated that atmospheric conditions were favorable for a brief tropical storm to develop.
Forecasters expect Arthur to track toward the northwestern Gulf Coast, with Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi all in its path. Residents in those areas could experience gusty winds and coastal flooding as the storm moves onshore.
National Hurricane Center director Michael Brennan warned Tuesday that the storm’s impact may not end quickly. “Prolonged rainfall may extend the flood threat into the weekend,” Brennan said.
