Tropical storm alerts could be issued within hours in Texas amid catastrophic flood threat across the South
There are increased odds of tropical development across the southern U.S. this week as the risk of heavy rain and flooding has communities on alert.
There are increased odds of tropical development across the southern U.S. this week as the risk of heavy rain and flooding has communities on alert.
As of the latest update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the odds for tropical development have increased to medium over the next seven days.
The system was designated as Invest 90L and is the first invest of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
WHAT IS AN INVEST DURING HURRICANE SEASON?
The term "invest" is used every hurricane season in the Atlantic, Eastern and Central Pacific basins, accompanied by a number from 90 to 99 and either the suffix "L," "E" or "C," respectively.
The main threat across the Gulf region will entail gusty coastal winds and tropical rain, which will bring the risk of flash flooding.
SEE IT: FIREFIGHTERS USE RESCUE BOATS TO SAVE 15 CAMPERS STRANDED IN FAST-RISING FLOODWATERS
According to the FOX Forecast Center, confidence in tropical development will increase over the next few days in the south, fueling a flash flood risk for millions across Texas to Georgia.
Since Sunday, the rain totals continue to tick upwards, with some locations receiving over 7.5 inches already.
Dramatic video out of Texas shows first responders coming to the aid of Texans trapped by floodwater in McLennan County.
A Level 3 out of 4 flood threat has been issued each day through Thursday for various parts of the region, with widespread and locally catastrophic flooding possible over the coming days, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Deep tropical moisture will linger northward and will combine with a strong cold front dropping south into the region.
As the front stalls by midweek, the FOX Forecast Center said daily showers and thunderstorms are expected to redevelop along the boundary amid abundant instability.
As this occurs, an upper-level area of disturbance, now designated as Invest 90L, will move out of northern Mexico, bringing moisture from the Gulf of America, which will result in slow-moving thunderstorms across states like Texas.
DEW POINT VS. HUMIDITY: WHICH ONE IS A BETTER MEASURE OF HOW MUGGY THE AIR FEELS?
Flood Watches are in effect across South Texas, the middle and upper Texas coasts, much of Louisiana, and western Mississippi.
Overall, widespread rainfall totals of 5 to 8 inches are expected from southern Texas to Alabama, with a broad corridor of 8 to 12 inches possible from eastern Texas through central Louisiana.
However, localized amounts could exceed 12 to 18 inches, potentially leading to catastrophic flash flooding.
Despite this, forecasters are keeping an eye on the low chances of Tropical Storm Arthur developing, but a dangerous flash flood risk remains.
Depending on the track and timing of the potent area of circulation, forecasters may still be tracking flash flooding through Friday, as some models show the system moving south into next weekend.
SEE IT: FIREFIGHTERS USE RESCUE BOATS TO SAVE 15 CAMPERS STRANDED IN FAST-RISING FLOODWATERS
Stay tuned to FOX Weather as we continue to track this storm’s development.
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