All the ingredients are in place for residents of Louisiana and Texas to expect a rough weekend, with at least a tropical storm, if not a hurricane, forming in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the National Hurricane Center , the second named storm of 2019, Barry, is on its way.
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Meteorologists in and around the Gulf Coast are warning residents of the looming threat.
At present, the system has a 100% chance of developing into a Tropical Depression over the next 48 hours, and by Friday, it could be a category 1 hurricane.
The storm is currently forecast to make landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border — potentially as far west as Houston — on Saturday, bringing high winds, storm surge, and heavy rains.
New Orleans is already feeling the effects of the storm, days before it’s expected to make landfall.
Torrential rains are soaking the city, with over 10 inches of rain falling in a matter of hours creating flash flood conditions.
Although much could change over the next few days depending on how fast the storm moves, the impending storm could greatly affect the area even if it doesn’t make landfall there.
A tornado was also spotted near New Orleans.
And with the area’s bayous already socked with water, a storm surge and more rains could cause a significant amount of trouble in New Orleans and the Louisiana coast.
And so meteorologists are trying to get the word out as early as possible for residents to prepare for a rough weekend, and maybe more.
Even if this system doesn’t end up getting a name, it will bring plenty of rain and disruptive weather to the Gulf Coast.
If you or your loved ones are in the area, keep an eye on weather reports for the next few days and be prepared for the worst.
