Edouard Aims at Texas-LA Coast; Rain Expected

Tropical Depression Five strengthened into Tropical Storm Edouard in the Gulf of Mexico. Edouard is forecast to reach the northwestern Gulf Coast and move inland over southeast Texas by Tuesday night, with strengthening before landfall. Its center was about 140 miles southeast of Cameron, Louisiana and 175 miles southeast of Port Arthur, Texas, with at least 40 mph winds and a motion of 6 mph west-northwest. The storm is not expected to become a hurricane, but forecast guidance warns of heavy rainfall, storm surge, and potential flooding along the Texas and Louisiana coasts, with 3–6 inches commonly and locally up to 9 inches. Tropical Storm Warnings span from Port Bolivar, Texas to the Vermilion/Iberia Parish line in Louisiana, with storm surge watches from High Island to the Vermilion/Cameron line. Forecasters caution that strong winds, rising tides, and possible flash floods could affect coastal and near-coastal areas, while inland areas could see flooding from the downpours.