Tropical Storm Arthur forms along Texas coast
by Danielle Haynes · UPIJune 17 (UPI) -- Tropical Storm Arthur -- the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season -- formed along the Texas coast Wednesday.
The eye of the storm was about 40 miles east-northeast of O'Connor, Texas, and 190 miles west-southwest of Lake Charles, La., the National Hurricane Center said in its 10 a.m. CDT update. The storm had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was moving northeast at 9 mph.
There was a tropical storm warning in effect along the coast from High Island, Texas, to Morgan City, La., and a tropical storm watch from Sargent, Texas, to High Island.
"On the forecast track, the low pressure area should move northeastward along the Texas coast today and then move inland over southwestern Louisiana by tonight," the NHC said.
The forecast indicates the storm won't strengthen into a hurricane. It's expected to be downgraded to a tropical depression by Wednesday evening as it makes its way inland at the Texas-Louisiana border.
The NHC said the southern states along the gulf coast -- including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida -- can expect potentially life-threatening flash floods. Tropical storm-force winds and minor to moderate coastal flooding were expected along the upper Texas and Louisiana coasts.