ORLANDO, Fla. — Tropical Storm Edouard is strengthening as it nears landfall in Texas on Tuesday.
12:12 p.m. update:
NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter aircraft have found that Tropical Storm Edouard is gaining strength as it moves closer to the coast of Texas.
Edouard now has maximum sustained winds around 50 mph and is moving northwest as 8 mph.
Wind gusts have also been recorded around 65 mph.
Original report:
Tropical Storm Edouard is heading toward the Texas coastline and is expected to make landfall later Tuesday, bringing the potential for heavy rain and flooding across parts of Texas and Louisiana.
The biggest concern is the threat of significant rainfall around the Houston area, where some locations could receive 6 to 9 inches of rain as the storm moves through.
That amount of rainfall could lead to flash flooding and river flooding, particularly in areas that see repeated rounds of heavy rain. Low-lying roads, poor-drainage areas and locations near creeks and rivers could be especially vulnerable.
Portions of Louisiana could also see periods of heavy rain as Edouard moves inland.
Residents along the Texas and Louisiana coasts should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways, as even shallow, fast-moving water can be dangerous.
The storm’s track and rainfall totals will determine where the greatest flooding impacts occur, but officials are urging residents to remain alert as Edouard approaches the coast.
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