Potential Tropical Cyclone Three was upgraded to Tropical Storm Cindy this afternoon.
Latest Advisory
As of the 10pm CDT advisory, Tropical Storm Cindy was located over the Southern Gulf of Mexico, at 26.4 degrees north and 91 degrees west. Maximum sustained winds were 60mph, with a minimum central pressure of 997 millibars.
Watches and Warnings
Tropical storm warnings are in effect all along the Gulf Coast from just west of Houston, TX to the Alabama/Florida border.
Track
The model guidance has finally come into agreement, forecasting Cindy to make landfall in either Southeast Texas or Southwest Louisiana on Thursday.
Therefore, that is what the latest National Hurricane Center forecast calls for.
Intensity
While Cindy has intensified slightly, no further intensification is expected, with some weakening forecast before landfall due to increasing vertical wind shear and dry air.
Impacts
Heavy rain (potentially up to 10″ from Southeast Louisiana to the Western Florida Panhandle), gusty winds, coastal flooding, and rough surf are, and will continue to be, the primary impacts from Cindy. Tropical storm force winds, along with 2 – 3′ of surge, will also be possible in the areas under tropical storm warnings.
It is also crucial to understand that the worst impacts from Cindy (heavy rainfall) will be displaced well to the north and east of the center, from South-central/Southeast Louisiana to the Western Florida Panhandle.
Timing
Impacts from Cindy will continue to be felt across much of the Northern Gulf Coast through Thursday/Friday, with the onset of tropical storm conditions in the warned areas expected
Flash Flood Threat
The heavy rainfall that is expected to fall in association with Cindy will create a threat for flash flooding, and in some locations, potentially life threatening flash flooding.
As a result, flash flood watches remain in place across much of the Central Gulf Coast, and parts of the Eastern Gulf Coast.
Severe Weather Threat
In addition to everything else, there will be the potential for a couple of tornadoes in the outer bands of Cindy across Southeast Louisiana, Southern Mississippi and Alabama, and much of the Florida Panhandle tonight into tomorrow.
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Our next update will be tomorrow, with continuing updates on social media.
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