The disturbed weather now has a 90 percent chance of turning into a tropical depression within the next five days.
Forecasters continue to increase the potential for the tropical wave currently near the Bahamas to develop into a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico.
The disturbance is causing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the southeastern and central Bahamas and adjacent Atlantic waters, including the Straits of Florida.
Forecasters expect the system to move west-northwestward and will likely turn into a depression within the next day or two. In the past 24 hours, the chance of the wave transforming into a depression within the next 48 hours has been increased from 50 percent to 70 percent, according to the latest statement Sunday (Sept. 2) from the National Hurricane Center.
The Hurricane Center said an Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system Monday.
This system will produce locally heavy rains and gusty winds across the central and northwestern Bahamas, southern Florida, and the Florida Keys during the next day or two.
Local forecasters are warning of the potential for heavy rain in the New Orleans area starting Tuesday night as the system makes a “beeline” for the region. The amount and intensity of rain will depend on the strength of the system, which is still uncertain at this point. Right now, forecasters predict 3 to 5 inches of rain, but changes could happen fast and without warning. Flash flooding is probable, according to the National Weather Center.
A tropical storm watch could be issued for portions of the northern Gulf Coast tonight as the storm continues to move northwestward.
Within the next five days, the storm has a 90 percent chance of transforming into a tropical depression.
In a Saturday statement, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell urged residents to be vigilant. She said the city is monitoring the weather and is prepared.
St. Charles Parish said it has opened locations for residents to get sandbags. Locations are at the East and West Bank Bridge Parks and on Down the Bayou Road in Bayou Gauche. Residents are asked to bring their own shovel.
The parish’s Department of Public Works was putting up HESCO Baskets along Bayou Des Allemands and sandbagging the Des Allemands boat launch.
The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, or GOHSEP, said on Saturday that is has activated its Crisis Action Team to monitor the weather and respond to emergency managers across the state. The GOSHEP news release noted rain is already forecast for the weekend headed into Labor Day, which could increase flood risk should a tropical system move over Louisiana.
Read the full National Hurricane forecast.
