Storm Track and Intensity

Tropical Storm Edouard has formed in the Gulf of America, according to the National Hurricane Center. As of the latest reports, the storm is located off the coast of Louisiana and moving northwest toward Texas. Forecasters expect Edouard to continue on this path, making landfall sometime Tuesday.

There is some variation in forecasts regarding the storm's strength at landfall. One report from ABC7 Los Angeles, citing the National Hurricane Center, indicated that Edouard is poised to significantly strengthen before reaching the northwestern Gulf Coast on Tuesday, potentially reaching hurricane strength. However, FOX 4 News reported that Edouard is not expected to reach hurricane status before hitting Texas. A tropical storm is defined by the National Hurricane Center as a tropical cyclone with winds between 39 and 73 mph, while hurricanes have winds of at least 74 mph.

Watches and Warnings

In response to the approaching storm, officials have issued several alerts. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for parts of the Texas coast from Port Bolivar to Louisiana, as reported by FOX 4 News. Additionally, a Storm Surge Watch has been issued for the Texas coast from High Island to Louisiana. ABC7 Los Angeles reports that hurricane and tropical storm watches are in place along the Texas and Louisiana coasts near the state line.

A Flood Watch has also been issued for much of Southeast Texas, including the Houston metro area, according to FOX 4 News. NOAA's Weather Prediction Center has placed much of the Southeast Texas coast in a slight (Level 2/4) risk of flash flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday, which includes the Houston area.

Expected Impacts

The most significant impacts from Edouard are expected to be heavy rainfall and flooding. ABC7 Los Angeles forecasts rainfall totals of 3 to 6 inches, with maximum totals of up to 9 inches in parts of the Upper Texas Coast inland through east-central Texas. Far southwest Louisiana could see 2 to 4 inches of rain. The heaviest rain is expected to fall in the more rural areas between Houston and Beaumont. The rainfall is likely to produce flash flooding, especially in low-lying and urban areas, and river flooding may also be possible.

Wind gusts of 70 mph or more are possible near the center of the storm at landfall, though the storm is expected to quickly weaken after moving inland. Storm surge of 3 to 5 feet is possible from High Island, Texas, to the Vermilion-Cameron Parish line in Louisiana. Additionally, a tornado or two is possible Tuesday afternoon and evening over parts of southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas.

Warm sea surface temperatures in the Gulf, which are 2 to 4 degrees above average, are helping to fuel Edouard, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Landfall is likely to occur near the Louisiana-Texas border around 1 m. CT (2 m. ET) Tuesday.

Preparation and Safety

Residents in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports and follow any instructions from local officials. With the potential for flash flooding and storm surge, those in low-lying or flood-prone areas should be prepared to take action if necessary.