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Tropical Storm Bertha Near Texas/Louisiana Border

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The center of Tropical Storm Bertha moved back inland near the border between Texas and Louisiana on Thursday afternoon.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Bertha was located at latitude 29.9°N and longitude 93.8°W which put the center about 20 miles (30 km) east of Port Arthur, Texas.  Bertha was moving toward the west at 10 m.p.h. (16 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Morgan City, Louisiana to Sargent, Texas.

Tropical Storm Bertha was bringing gusty winds to southern Louisiana and eastern Texas on Thursday afternoon.  However, the strongest winds were in the southeastern part of Bertha’s circulation.  Those winds were occurring over the Gulf of Mexico.

The distribution of wind speeds around Tropical Storm Bertha was very asymmetrical.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the southern part of Bertha’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 25 miles (40 km) in the northern side of Tropical Storm Bertha.

The heaviest rain was falling in thunderstorms located in bands in the southwestern periphery of Tropical Storm Bertha.  Those thunderstorms were over the Gulf of Mexico east of Texas.  Light to moderate rain was falling over southern Louisiana and eastern Texas from showers and a few thunderstorms in bands closer to the low level center of Bertha’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Bertha will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the Southern Plains.  The high pressure system will steer Bertha toward the west-southwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Bertha will move inland over eastern and south central Texas.

Tropical Storm Bertha will produce gusty winds over eastern and south central Texas as it moves inland.  Thunderstorms, primarily south of the center of Bertha’s circulation, could produce heavy rain in some locations.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some places.

Tropical Storm Bertha Moves Across Southeast Louisiana

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Tropical Storm Bertha moved across southeastern Louisiana on Wednesday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Bertha’ was located at latitude 29.4°N and longitude 91.1°W which put the center about 75 miles (120 km) southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana.  Bertha was moving toward the west-southwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mississippi/Alabama border to Sargent, Texas.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for New Orleans.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Lake Pontchartrain.

Strong northeasterly winds in the upper levels of the atmosphere appeared to be blowing the middle and upper parts of Tropical Storm Bertha to the southwest of the surface circulation.  The center of the surface circulation was south-southeast of Morgan City, Louisiana.  Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the southwestern part of the surface circulation around Tropical Storm Bertha.  Bands in the other parts of Bertha’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  It is possible that a new center of circulation could develop closer to the area of showers and thunderstorms.

The strongest winds were occurring in the southeastern part of Tropical Storm Bertha.  Those winds were occurring over the Gulf of Mexico.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the southern side of Bertha’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 60 miles (95 km) in the northern side of Tropical Storm Bertha.

Tropical Storm Bertha will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 18 hours.  Bertha will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under southeastern part of an upper level ridge that is centered over the South Central U.S.  The upper level ridge will produce strong northeasterly winds that will blow across the top of Bertha’s circulation.  Those upper level winds will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Bertha is likely to continue to weaken during the next 18 hours unless a new center of circulation forms near the thunderstorms over the Gulf of Mexico.

Tropical Storm Bertha will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the southern Mississippi River Valley.  The high pressure system will steer Bertha toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Bertha will move over eastern Texas south of Galveston on Thursday evening.

Tropical Storm Bertha will bring gusty winds to the northwestern Gulf Coast.  Bertha could drop locally heavy rain over parts of southern Louisiana and eastern Texas.

Tropical Storm Bertha Weakens

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Tropical Storm Bertha weakened on Wednesday morning as it moved toward southeastern Louisiana.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Bertha was located at latitude 29.9°N and longitude 89.1°W which put the center about 60 miles (95 km) east of New Orleans, Louisiana.  Bertha was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from the Alabama/Florida border to Morgan City, Louisiana.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for New Orleans.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Lake Pontchartrain.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Lake Maurepas.   A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Morgan City to Sargent, Texas.

Tropical Storm Bertha weakened on Wednesday morning because of strong northeasterly winds in the upper troposphere.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear, and the wind shear was causing Bertha to weaken.  The vertical wind shear was also affecting the structure of Tropical Storm Bertha.  Most of the bands revolving around the center of Bertha’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the far southwestern part of Tropical Storm Bertha.  There were no thunderstorms near the center of Bertha to generate upper level divergence.  Convergence of mass in the lower atmosphere was causing the surface pressure to increase.

Tropical Storm Berta was still producing sustained winds to tropical storm force.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km) in the eastern side of Bertha’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 70 miles (110 km) in the western side of Tropical Storm Bertha.

Tropical Storm Bertha will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Bertha will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under southeastern part of an upper level ridge that is centered over the South Central U.S.  The upper level ridge will produce strong northeasterly winds that will blow across the top of Bertha’s circulation. Those upper level winds will continue to cause strong vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Bertha will continue to weaken during he next 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Bertha will move around the southern side of a high pressure system that is over the southern Mississippi River Valley.  The high pressure system will steer Bertha toward the west during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, the center of Tropical Storm Bertha will move over southeastern Louisiana in a few hours.

Tropical Storm Bertha will bring gusty winds to the central Gulf Coast.  Since the strongest winds are in the southern part of Bertha’s circulation, those winds will remain over the Gulf of Mexico during the next 24 hours.  Bands on the northern side of Tropical Storm Bertha could drop locally heavy rain over parts of southern Alabama, southern Mississippi, and southern Louisiana. Bertha could also cause a storm surge of up to 4 feet (1 meter) along parts of the coast of southeastern Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Arthur Develops Near Texas Coast

Tropical Storm Arthur developed near the coast of Texas on Wednesday morning.  At 12:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Arthur was located at latitude 28.8°N and longitude 95.5°W which put the center about 40 miles (65 km) southwest of Galveston, Texas. Arthur was moving toward the northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 999 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Sargent, Texas to Morgan City Louisiana.

A low pressure system near the coast of Texas, formerly called Potential Tropical Cyclone One, strengthened on Wednesday morning and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Arthur.

The strongest winds were occurring in bands in the eastern and northern sides of Tropical Storm Arthur.

A weather station in Galveston, Texas, (KGLS) reported a sustained wind speed of 39 m.p.h. (63 km/h) and a wind gust of 59 m.p.h. (95 km/h).

NOAA buoy 42035 which is east of Galveston, Texas reported a sustained wind speed of 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and a wind gust of 52 m.p.h. (83 km/h).

A weather station on oil platform Galveston 209A (KGVW) reported a sustained wind speed of 70 m.p.h. (113 km/h) and a wind gust of 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  It should be noted that the weather station is 121 feet (37 meters) above sea level.

The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Storm Arthur was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern and northern parts of Arthur’s circulation.  Bands in the western and southern parts of Tropical Storm Arthur consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

The surface center of Tropical Storm Arthur appeared to be east of a low in the middle troposphere based on visible satellite loops.  The middle level low was producing southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Arthur’s circulation.  Those winds were causing strong vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

The strongest winds were occurring in the bands of thunderstorms in the eastern and northern parts of Tropical Storm Arthur.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) in the eastern half of Arthur’s circulation.  Winds in the western half of Tropical Storm Arthur were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Arthur will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system that extends from the western Atlantic Ocean to over the Gulf of Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer Arthur toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Arthur will move inland near the border between Texas and Louisiana in a few hours.

Tropical Storm Arthur will move through an environment that will be marginally favorable for intensification during the next few hours.  Arthur will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level trough that is over the central U.S.  The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Arthur’s circulation.  Those winds will cause strong vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit development, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent some intensification.  Tropical Storm Arthur could intensify during the next few hours before it makes landfall in Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Arthur will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to parts of the southeastern U.S.  Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations.

Flood Watches are in effect for southeast Texas, most of Louisiana, the southern half of Mississippi, central Alabama, Northwest Florida, and northern Georgia.

Tropical Storm Arthur could also cause a storm surge of up to 4 feet (1 meter) along the coast of Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Louisiana

The potential risk posed by a low pressure system near Corpus Christi, Texas prompted the U.S. National Hurricane Center to issue a Tropical Storm Warning for a portion of the coast of Louisiana on Tuesday afternoon.  The National Hurricane Center has designated the low pressure system as Potential Tropical Cyclone One.  At 8:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone One was located at latitude 27.6°N and longitude 97.3°W which put the center about 15 miles (25 km) south-southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas.  The low pressure system was moving toward the northeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the portion of the coast from Sabine Pass to Morgan City, Louisiana.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Sargent, Texas to Sabine Pass, Louisiana.

The National Hurricane Center designated a low pressure system over South Texas as Potential Tropical Cyclone One on Tuesday. The distribution of thunderstorms in Potential Tropical Cyclone One was still asymmetrical on Tuesday evening. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of the low pressure system. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands that were over the Gulf of Mexico. Bands in the western half of the low pressure system consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the low pressure system. The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to slowly decrease.

Potential Tropical Cyclone One will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system that extends from the western Atlantic Ocean to over the Gulf of Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer the low pressure system toward the northeast during the next 24 hours . On its anticipated track, the low pressure system could move over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

If Potential Tropical Cyclone One moves over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, it will move into an environment that will be marginally favorable for the development of a tropical storm.  The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level trough that is over the eastern U.S.  The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Potential Tropical Cyclone One.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit development, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent the formation of a tropical depression or a tropical storm.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center is indicating that the probability is 70% that a tropical depression or a tropical storm forms over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Reconnaissance planes have been tentatively tasked to fly into the the low pressure system on Wednesday, if necessary.

The low pressure system has already dropped heavy rain over parts of South Texas and northern Mexico.

Flood Watches are in effect for South Texas, southeast Texas, most of Louisiana, the southern half of Mississippi, central Alabama, Northwest Florida, and northern Georgia.

Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Texas and Louisiana

The potential risk posed by a low pressure system over South Texas prompted the U.S. National Hurricane Center to issue a Tropical Storm Watch for a portion of the coast of Texas and Louisiana on Tuesday.  The National Hurricane Center also designated the low pressure system as Potential Tropical Cyclone One.  At 2:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Potential Tropical Cyclone One was located at latitude 27.19°N and longitude 97.8°W which put the center about 55 miles (90 km) southwest of Corpus Christi, Texas.  The low pressure system was moving toward the northeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the portion of the coast from Sargent, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana.

The National Hurricane Center designated a low pressure system over South Texas as Potential Tropical Cyclone One on Tuesday.  The distribution of thunderstorms in Potential Tropical Cyclone One was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern side of the low pressure system.  The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands that were over the Gulf of Mexico.  Bands in the western half of the low pressure system consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the low pressure system.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to slowly decrease.

Potential Tropical Cyclone One will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system that extends from the western Atlantic Ocean to over the Gulf of Mexico.  The high pressure system will steer the low pressure system toward the northeast during the next 24 hours.   On its anticipated track, the low pressure system could move over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

If Potential Tropical Cyclone One moves over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, it will move into an environment that will be marginally favorable for the development of a tropical storm.  The low pressure system will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C.  It will move under the southern part of an upper level trough that is over the eastern U.S.  The upper level trough will produce westerly winds that will blow toward the top of Potential Tropical Cyclone One.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear.  The vertical wind shear will inhibit development, but the wind shear may not be enough to prevent the formation of a tropical depression or a tropical storm.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center is indicating that the probability is 70% that a tropical depression or a tropical storm forms over the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.  Reconnaissance planes have been tentatively tasked to fly into the the low pressure system on Tuesday night and Wednesday, if necessary.

The low pressure system has already dropped heavy rain over parts of South Texas and northern Mexico.

Flood Watches are in effect for South Texas, southeast Texas, most of Louisiana, and the southern half of Mississippi.

Tropical Storm Beryl Churns Toward Texas

Tropical Storm Beryl churned toward the coast of Texas on Saturday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Beryl was located at latitude 24.7°N and longitude 94.0°W which put the center about 300 miles (485 km) southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas.  Beryl was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 993 mb.

A Hurricane Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Baffin Bay to Sargent, Texas.

Hurricane Watches were in effect from the portions of the coast from Baffin Bay, Texas to the Mouth of the Rio Grande River and from Sargent to San Luis Pass, Texas.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Baffin Bay, Texas to the Mouth of the Rio Grande River.  A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Sargent to High Island, Texas.  A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Rio Grande River to Barra el Mezquital, Mexico.

A Storm Surge Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from the north end of Padre Island to High Island, Texas.

Storm Surge Watches were in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Rio Grande River to the north end of Padre Island, Texas and from High Island to Sabine Pass, Texas.

The structure of Tropical Storm Beryl did not change a lot on Saturday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western side of the center of Beryl’s circulation.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms revolved around the center to Tropical Storm Beryl.  Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.  The removal of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease slowly.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Storm Beryl also did not change much on Saturday.   Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) in the northern half of Beryl’s circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force only extended out 45 miles in the southern half of Tropical Storm Beryl.

Tropical Storm Beryl will move into an environment that will become more favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours . Beryl will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C.  It will move under the northern part of an upper level low over the western Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level low will produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Beryl’s circulation.  The winds in the lower levels of the atmosphere will also blow from the southeast.  Since the winds in the upper and lower levels will blow from the southeast, there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Beryl will intensify during the next 24 hours.  Beryl is likely to strengthen to a hurricane.  Beryl could intensify rapidly if an inner core with an eye and and eyewall develops.  There is a chance Beryl could intensify to a major hurricane before it reaches the coast.

Tropical Storm Beryl will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the southeastern U.S.  The high pressure system will steer Beryl toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Beryl will approach the coast of Texas on Sunday night.

Tropical Storm Beryl is likely to be a hurricane when it reaches the coast of Texas.  Beryl will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of eastern Texas.  Up to 10 inches (250 mm) of rain could fall in some locations.  Heavy rain is likely to cause flooding.  Flood Watches were in effect for parts of eastern Texas.  Tropical Storm Beryl could also cause a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) where the wind pushes water toward the coast.

Tropical Storm Beryl Prompts Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches for Texas

The risk posed by Tropical Storm Beryl prompted the issuance of Hurricane and Storm Watches for a portion of the coast of Texas.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Beryl was located at latitude 21.2°N and longitude 89.2°W which put the center about 35 miles (55 km) east-southwest of Progreso, Mexico.  Beryl was moving toward the west-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 989 mb.

A Hurricane Watch was in effect from the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Rio Grande River to Sargent, Texas.  The Hurricane Watch included Corpus Christi.  A Hurricane Watch was also in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Rio Grande River to Barra el Mezquital, Mexico

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Campeche to Cabo Catoche, Mexico.

A Storm Surge Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from the Mouth of the Rio Grande River to Sargent, Texas.

Former Hurricane Beryl weakened to a tropical storm as it moved across the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula on Friday.  An eye was no longer detectable on visible satellite images, but the core of Beryl’s circulation appeared to be relatively intact.  Thunderstorms were still occurring near the center of Tropical Storm Beryl.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation.  Storms near the center still generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm.

Winds to tropical storm force extended out 105 miles (165 km/h) from the center of Tropical Storm Beryl.

Tropical Storm Beryl will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over the southeastern U.S.  The high pressure system will steer Beryl toward the northwest during the next 24 hours.  On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Beryl will move toward the coast of Texas.  Beryl could approach the coast of Texas on Sunday night.

Beryl will move into an environment that will become more favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Beryl will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C.  It will move under the eastern part of an upper level low over the western Gulf of Mexico.  The upper level low will produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Beryl’s circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear.  The wind shear will inhibit intensification, but the shear will not be enough to prevent strengthening.  Tropical Storm Beryl is likely to strengthen slowly during the next 24 hours until the inner core of the circulation becomes more organized.  Beryl could intensify more rapidly when it approaches the Texas coast on Sunday.  Tropical Storm Beryl is very likely to intensify back to a hurricane.  There is a chance Beryl could intensify to a major hurricane by the end of the weekend.

 

 

Tropical Storm Harold Brings Wind and Rain to South Texas

Tropical Storm Harold brought wind and rain to South Texas on Tuesday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Harold was located at latitude 27.1°N and longitude 97.4°W which put it about 35 miles (55 km) north of Port Mansfield, Texas. Harold was moving toward the west-northwest at 21 m.p.h. (33 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Harold was located at latitude 26.2°N and longitude 96.4°W which put it about 70 miles (110 km) east-southeast of Port Mansfield, Texas. Harold was moving toward the west-northwest at 18 m.p.h. (29 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Port O’Connor, Texas to the Mouth of the Rio Grande, River. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Port O’Connor to Sargent, Texas.

Tropical Storm Harold strengthened a little before it made landfall on Padre Island. The distribution of thunderstorms in Harold was asymmetrical. There were more thunderstorms in the bands in the northern side of Harold’s circulation than there were in the bands in the southern half of the circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Harold’s circulation.

Bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Harold were dropping heavy rain over parts of South Texas. Flash Flood Warnings were in effect for eastern Duval County, Jim Wells County, western Kleberg County, south central Live Oak County, northwestern Nueces County, and southwestern San Patricio County.

The bands in the northern side of Tropical Storm Harold were also producing winds to tropical storm force. The National Weather Service Office in Corpus Christi (KCRP) reported a sustained wind speed of 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and a wind gust of 62 m.p.h. (100 km/h).

Tropical Storm Harold will move inland quickly over South Texas. Harold will weaken as it move farther inland, but Tropical Storm Harold will continue to drop heavy rain over parts of South Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley during the next few hours.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Franklin was over the Caribbean Sea and Tropical Depression Gert weakened east of the Leeward Islands.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Franklin was located at latitude 15.5°N and longitude 71.1°W which put it about 220 miles (355 km) south-southwest of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Franklin was moving toward the northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the south coast of Haiti from Anse d’Hainault to the border with the Dominican Republic. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the south coast of the Dominican Republic from Isla Saona to the border with Haiti. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the north coast of the Dominican Republic from Isla Saona to the border with Haiti. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the Turks and Caicos.

At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Gert was located at latitude 17.4°N and longitude 59.7°W which put it about 230 miles (370 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands. Gert was moving toward the west-northwest at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1008 mb.

Tropical Storm Harold Approaches South Texas

Tropical Storm Harold was approaching the coast of South Texas on Tuesday morning. At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Harold was located at latitude 26.2°N and longitude 96.4°W which put it about 70 miles (110 km) east-southeast of Port Mansfield, Texas. Harold was moving toward the west-northwest at 18 m.p.h. (29 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the portion of the coast from Port O’Connor, Texas to the Mouth of the Rio Grande, River. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the portion of the coast from Port O’Connor to Sargent, Texas.

Former Tropical Depression Nine strengthened during Monday night and the U.S. National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Harold. There was a large circulation around Tropical Storm Harold, but the surface center of circulation was elongated. The distribution of thunderstorms in Harold was asymmetrical. There were more thunderstorms in the bands in the northern side of the low pressure system than there were in the bands in the southern half of the circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of Harold’s circulation.

Tropical Storm Harold will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next few hours. Harold will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31°C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the central U.S. There is also an upper level low over northern Mexico. The upper level ridge and the upper level low will interact to produce southeasterly winds that will blow toward the top of Harold’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Storm Harold could intensify a little during the next few hours in spite of the vertical wind shear.

The upper level ridge over the central U.S. will steer Tropical Storm Harold toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Harold will reach the coast of South Texas in a few hours. Tropical Storm Harold will reach South Texas in a few hours. Harold will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to South Texas. Heavy rain is likely to cause flash floods in some locations. The low pressure system could also cause a storm surge of up to five feet (1.5 meters) along the coast.

Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Franklin was over the Caribbean Sea and Tropical Depression Gert was east of the Leeward Islands.

At 8:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Franklin was located at latitude 14.6°N and longitude 70.7°W which put it about 260 miles (420 km) south of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Franklin was moving toward the west at 3 m.p.h. (5 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

A Tropical Storm Warning was in effect for the south coast of Haiti from Anse d’Hainault to the border with the Dominican Republic. A Tropical Storm Warning was also in effect for the south coast of the Dominican Republic from Isla Saona to the border with Haiti. A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for the north coast of the Dominican Republic from Isla Saona to the border with Haiti. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for the Turks and Caicos.

At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Depression Gert was located at latitude 17.2°N and longitude 58.8°W which put it about 290 miles (470 km) east of the Northern Leeward Islands. Gert was moving toward the west-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1008 mb.