United States: Tropical Storm Cindy to hit Gulf Coast June 22 /update 1

Event

According to current predictions by the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Cindy, currently located in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to make landfall at around 07:00 (local time) on Thursday, June 22, near the Louisiana-Texas state line. A tropical storm warning is currently in effect for the coastline between San Luis Pass (Texas) and the Alabama-Florida state line.

Torrential rain and winds of up to 117 km/h (73 mph) are forecast. Life-threatening flooding may occur, particularly in coastal, low-lying, and river adjacent areas. Associated transportation disruptions are to be anticipated, including flight disruptions at airports in Houston (IAH and HOU), New Orleans (MSY), Baton Rouge (BTR), Alexandria (AEX), Lafayette (LFT), Monroe (MLU), and Shreveport (SHV) on June 22-23. Power outages are also likely.

After making landfall, Cindy is expected to pass over eastern Texas and western Louisiana before weakening into a tropical depression. The storm is then expected to move in a northeasterly direction, passing over parts of the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Kentucky.

Context

Tropical storms and hurricanes are common in the Gulf region during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

Advice

Individuals in the above areas are advised to follow local weather forecasts, to adhere to any advice issued by regional authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders), and to confirm travel plans. In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.