NHC increases chances of tropical development in Gulf: Tracker; path; Houston, Texas impacts

The Brief

• The chances of development for a tropical wave in the Gulf has increased to 50% over the next two days.

• It could become a tropical depression before moving inland over northeastern Mexico or South Texas by late Friday.

• It could help increase rain chances for Houston.

HOUSTON – The National Hurricane Center has increased the chances of development for a tropical wave – labeled Invest 98L – in the Gulf.

While it is expected to have a minimal impact on the Houston area, it could help increase our rain chances.

Medium chance of development

By the numbers

The National Hurricane Center now gives the area of low pressure located over the Bay of Campeche a medium 50% chance of development over the next 48 hours and a 50% chance over the next seven days.

Timeline

According to the National Hurricane Center, the low is expected to move west-northwest across the Gulf over the next day or so. It could become a tropical depression before moving inland over northeastern Mexico or South Texas by late Friday. Moving on land will end its chances for tropical development.

Impacts

Northeastern Mexico and South Texas could see heavy rainfall over the next few days.

Will Houston be impacted?

Local perspective

At this point, the system is expected to remain weak and have minimal impacts on the Houston area.

However, it could help to enhance our rain chances Friday and Saturday morning while giving us an increased risk for rip currents.

We are under a 1/4 risk for isolated street flooding on Friday, mainly from Houston to the coast. Stay alert and stay tuned for updates.

The Source

The information in this article comes from the National Hurricane Center and the FOX 26 weather team.