Hurricane Likely for Louisiana Coast; Tropical Storm Force Winds Could Hit Houston on Saturday
NOAA predicts Invest 92L will become Hurricane Barry and hit southwest Louisiana by Saturday morning. That could leave Houston with tropical storm force winds in the 45-70 mph range.
Watches Likely To Extend Westward Later Today or Early Thursday, Potentially Include Upper Texas coast
Mid level circulation over the east-central Gulf of Mexico continues to develop. Current ship and buoy data in the central and eastern Gulf of Mexico indicate surface winds of 20-35 knots are already being experienced under deep convection. The US Air Force will fly the area early this afternoon to determine if/where a center of circulation has formed.
NOAA and USAF plan multiple low- and high-level missions. Effective today, weather offices along the US Gulf coast will begin launching upper air soundings every 6 hours instead of every 12.
Track Remains Uncertain
There is still considerable uncertainty concerning the track of the storm. Adjustments remain possible and all residents within the error cone should make preparations.
85 MPH Winds Predicted at Landfall
The National Hurricane Center predicts an 85 mph hurricane before landfall in Louisiana. Much of this intensification occurs within the last 24 hours before landfall. While conditions in the near term (next 24-36 hours) are generally favorable for development, consolidation of the inner core will take some time. Much of the development should occur as the system nears the coast.
Tropical storm force winds in the 40 to 70 mph range could hit Houston – also on Saturday morning.
Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist, feels, “This will likely be a case where an intensifying hurricane is approaching the coast on Saturday.”
Storm Surge Watch In Effect for Texas Coast
Tropical storm and hurricane conditions are likely along portions of the Louisiana coast starting Friday and more likely into Saturday. Large long period swells will move into the upper Texas coastal waters starting late Thursday and building Friday into the weekend. This could push tides up along the Gulf facing beaches late Friday into the weekend (Bolivar).
Should the forecast track adjust westward any, impacts to the upper TX would be increased.
Recommended Actions
A large portion of southeast Texas remains in the official error cone. If the track shifts westward again, as it did last night, it could produce greater impacts to our area.
- Have hurricane plans ready to be enacted if the track shifts to the west.
- Stock hurricane supplies.
- Monitor forecasts frequently.
Posted by Bob Rehak on July 10, 2019 at 12:30pm
680 Days since Hurricane Harvey
