Potential Tropical Cyclone One designated over southern Texas, fuels flood threats along the Gulf coast
A PTC is designated when a storm hasn't yet formed, but there is the expectation that it will or produce at least Tropical Storm conditions within 72 hours, the FOX Forecast Center said.
Potential Tropical Cyclone One designated in the Western Gulf
Potential Tropical Cyclone One has been designated in the Gulf and the National Hurricane Center will begin to issue advisories at 11am E.T. as the system triggers widespread flash flooding risks over southern Texas. Stay with FOX Weather for the latest:
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has designated the former Invest 90L, as Potential Tropical Cyclone (PTC) One, allowing them to issue Tropical Storm Watches and/or Warnings.
An update will be provided by the NHC with the advisories.
A PTC is designated when a storm hasn't yet formed, but there is the expectation that it will or produce at least tropical storm conditions within 72 hours, the FOX Forecast Center said.
PTC One is currently a broad area of low pressure located inland over south Texas. The system is forecast to move northeastward along the Texas coast and could emerge over the northwestern Gulf of America later today or tonight.
Potential Tropical Cyclone One Designated in the Gulf
(FOX Weather)
Environmental conditions are expected to be conducive for the formation of a short-lived tropical storm late today or on Wednesday.
With relatively light wind shear across the western Gulf and water temperatures in the mid-80s, the amount of time Potential Tropical Cyclone One spends over open water will be the deciding factor in how strong and organized the system becomes.
That said, even in a worst-case scenario, we are not expecting anything stronger than a tropical storm. The first name on the list is Arthur.
Regardless of how strong the system gets, a significant and potentially life-threatening flash flood threat is expected along the Gulf Coast through late week.
Additionally, wind speeds will heavily depend on the final strength of the system.
Based on the latest data, the FOX Forecast Center said the most intense gusts are expected along the immediate coast, stretching from roughly Matagorda Bay in Texas over toward central Louisiana.
Wind gusts over 50 mph could trigger minor coastal flooding, with the strongest winds peaking on Wednesday before the system pushes inland Wednesday night into early Thursday.