NASTY WEATHER AHEAD FOR THE WEEKEND; TROPICAL DOWNPOURS LIKELY AT TIMES… Expected impacts from what will likely be Tropical Storm Claudette have not changed: Heavy rain is likely at times across our entire area this weekend, with a pronounced risk of flash flooding. A few tornadoes may be possible across the area (both coastal and inland) on Saturday into early Sunday. Gusty winds will be possible at the immediate beach zones, but widespread wind damage is not expected. All coastal hazards, including minor storm surge, minor coastal flooding, high waves, and dangerous rip currents are expected.
TROPICAL STORM WARNING FOR ALABAMA COAST AND POINTS WEST… A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued from Intracoastal City, Louisiana eastward to the Alabama/Florida border, including coastal areas of Baldwin and Mobile counties in southwest Alabama. In addition, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, metro New Orleans, and Lake Pontchartrain are involved in this new tropical storm warning.
POTENTIAL TROPICAL CYCLONE #3 – EXPLAINER… The tropical disturbance in the Gulf has been given the designation “Potential Tropical Cyclone #3” this evening. This is a confusing way to brand a tropical disturbance, but the reason for the usage is because the PTC designation allows local watches and warnings to be issued ahead of the actual formation of a low-level circulation center associated with the storm. Basically, INVEST 92L is now “Potential Tropical Cyclone #3” and will likely soon be Tropical Depression 3 or Tropical Storm Claudette. What a mess of nomenclature! The big takeaway here is that LOCAL IMPACTS will be the same regardless of the ultimate designation of the system, whether it takes a formal name (Claudette) or not.
POTENTIAL LOCAL IMPACTS… Impacts from PTC #3, expected to become Tropical Storm Claudette soon, may begin in parts of our local area as early as tomorrow (Friday) evening. That is when showers and storms will become possible near the immediate coast. Rain will likely spread inland throughout the day on Saturday, extending into Sunday. There is a real chance Saturday and Sunday could be “all day washout-type” days with heavy rain being possible many times throughout the weekend. This heavy rain could lead to a flash flooding threat, particularly in areas where storms train over the same areas for multiple areas. Minor storm surge and minor coastal flooding may be possible in low-lying areas. Tornadoes may become possible this weekend across our entire area as the center of the storm moves onshore to our west, although it remains too early to be specific about where the tornado risk will be greatest. Dangerous rip currents and high waves are expected at the local beaches this weekend.
I will have more updates throughout the night and into Friday in the RedZone Weather app. My next detailed video update will be posted by 7:15AM tomorrow morning with the very latest information. Have a nice Thursday evening!