Storm tracker: Heavy rain could produce flash flooding along Gulf Coast
A slow-developing, broad area of low pressure located over the far northern portion of the Gulf is threatening to bring heavy rain and flooding to portions of the area over the next few days, forecasters said July 17.
The system, designated as Invest 93L, could see some additional development over the next 12-24 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center, however its current structure suggests its chances of developing into a tropical depression before it reaches the Louisiana coast later Thursday are decreasing.
"Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding over portions of the north-central Gulf Coast through Friday," hurricane center forecasters said in an advisory early Thursday morning.
The National Weather Service office that services the Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida areas is cautioning residents against heavy rainfall Thursday and especially Friday. Forecasters said most areas across northwest Florida, coastal Alabama and southeast Mississippi will see around 2 to 4 inches of rain, while areas further inland could see 1 to 2 inches.
The NWS said the greatest concern for any flash flooding is along the Interstate 10 corridor.
Meanwhile, the NWS office in Tallahassee is strongly encouraging residents and visitors to stay out of the surf where red flags are flying, as the area could see surf heights of 2 to 4 feet and life-threatening rip currents.
Invest 93L currently has a 30% chance for tropical development over the next seven days and a 30% chance over the next 48 hours.
The next named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will be Dexter.
Atlantic storm tracker
This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.
Spaghetti models for Invest 93L
Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.
How do hurricanes form?
Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.
A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reaches 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.
Prepare now for hurricanes
Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late. "Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period," NOAA recommends.
- Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
- Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
- Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
- Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
- Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at Paste BN. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.