Tropical Storm Arthur forms in Gulf, threatens heavy rain

Tropical Storm Arthur has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, and reconnaissance aircraft found winds near 40 mph while flying through the system Thursday, a Facebook post on June 17 said. The post warned the biggest impact is likely to be heavy rain in parts of Louisiana and possibly southern Mississippi, with some areas potentially seeing 10 to 15 inches of rain by Thursday depending on where the heaviest rainbands set up.

Hurricane Hunter reconnaissance flights are routinely used to measure a storm’s winds and structure and provide data that forecasters use to refine track and intensity forecasts. The post did not include a formal forecast cone or specific landfall timing.

Heavy rainfall of the magnitude described can produce flash flooding, river rises and coastal runoff in low-lying and urban areas. Residents in the threatened areas are advised to monitor weather updates from local officials and emergency management agencies and to prepare for possible flooding impacts.

The Facebook post began with an urgent reminder to “Be weather aware!” We will provide more information as it becomes available.