Tropical Hurricaine Cyclone Three Strengthens In The Gulf Of Mexico - National Special Report (Video)

A disturbance in the central Gulf of Mexico has been designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Three by the National Hurricane Center (NHC). This is the first season the NHC can issue advisories on systems that have yet to develop but pose a threat of bringing tropical-storm-force or hurricane-force winds to land areas within 48 hours.

This potential tropical cyclone is likely to be a soaker for parts of the Gulf Coast this week, and flooding is a significant concern. Gusty winds, rip currents, high surf and some coastal flooding will also likely impact the region.

A tropical storm warning has been issued from Cameron, Louisiana, to the Mouth of the Pearl River; tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours. A tropical storm watch is in effect from west of Cameron, Louisiana, to High Island, Texas, which means tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.

Tropical storm conditions are expected to first reach the Louisiana coast within the warning area by Tuesday afternoon. These conditions are possible within the watch area on Wednesday.

Current satellite imagery shows vigorous shower and thunderstorm activity in the eastern Gulf of Mexico in association with this system. That stormy weather is located mainly to the north and east of the low-pressure center, which is over 200 miles south-southwest of the Mouth of the Mississippi River. 

Potential Tropical Cyclone Three is expected to move north to northwest, reaching the Louisiana coast late Wednesday. This system is currently forecast to develop into a tropical or subtropical storm before reaching the U.S. Gulf Coast.

It’s important to not focus completely on the forecast path of the low-pressure center since impacts will extend well to the east along the Gulf Coast.

Parts of southeast Louisiana, southern Alabama, southern Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle are not in the forecast path but are expected to see a substantial amount of rain, which could cause flooding; more on that can be found below in our “U.S. threat” section.

- Weather.com