Potential Tropical Cyclone Three brings persistent rain and wind to the Gulf Coast.
In their 7:00 pm advisory, forecasters with the National Hurricane Center say the disturbance the system is moving toward the north near 16 mph, and north to north-northeast motion is expected during the next day or so.
The storm system is carrying maximum sustained winds are near 45 mph with higher gusts.
Below is more information from the NHC’s 7:00 advisory:
RAINFALL: The potential tropical cyclone is expected to produce
rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 12
inches across portions of the Central Gulf Coast. Considerable
flash, urban and small stream flooding impacts as well as new and
renewed minor to isolated moderate river flooding are likely.
As the system continues to lift northeast through the weekend, heavy
rain will expand across southeastern Mississippi, southern and
central Alabama, central to northern Georgia, far western North
Carolina and western South Carolina, resulting in rainfall totals of
3 to 5 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 7 inches. Flash,
urban, small stream and isolated minor river flooding impacts are
possible.
STORM SURGE: The combination of storm surge and the tide will
cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising
waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the
following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if
the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide...
Morgan City, LA to Okaloosa/Walton County Line, FL...2-3 ft
Lake Borgne and Mobile Bay...2-3 ft
Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas...1-2 ft
Okaloosa/Walton County Line, FL to Panama City, FL...1-2 ft
Pensacola Bay, Choctawhatchee Bay, and Saint Andrew Bay...1-2 ft
Cameron, LA to Morgan City, LA...1-2 ft
Vermilion Bay...1-2 ft
Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge
and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances. For
information specific to your area, please see products issued by
your local National Weather Service forecast office.
WIND: Tropical storm conditions are beginning to reach the coast
within the warning area, and these winds will continue into
Saturday.
TORNADOES: There is a threat for a tornado or two tonight
across coastal Louisiana. A few tornadoes are possible on
Saturday across southern portions of Louisiana, Mississippi,
Alabama, and the western Florida Panhandle.