Newly formed tropical depression in Gulf expected to strengthen on path to Texas
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The tropical depression in the Gulf is seen on satellite as of 8pm ET Monday. Image: NOAA
Tropical Depression 9 formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday and will bring much-needed rain to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, the National Hurricane Center says.
- It's expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Harold before landfall Tuesday, making it the third named storm to enter the Gulf this hurricane season.
Quick take: The system isn't a threat to Louisiana.
What's happening: Tropical storm watches and warnings are in effect for parts of the Texas coastline.
- The storm could dump up to 10 inches of rain across Mexico and up to 7 inches in southern Texas. Flash flooding and mudslides are possible.
- Coastal flooding also is expected, with a storm surge up to 3 feet possible. Life-threatening rip tides are also forecast in Texas. See the current watches and warnings.
Zoom in: As of 8pm ET, the tropical depression was 320 miles southeast of Port Mansfield, Texas. It's moving west at 18 mph and has winds of 35 mph.
- Tropical storms have winds of at least 39 mph.
- It's expected to make landfall by midday Tuesday somewhere between Padre Island and South Padre Island in south Texas.
Zoom out: The NHC was tracking four other systems Monday night.
- Tropical Storm Franklin in the Caribbean is expected to bring heavy rain to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Hispaniola and Haiti before heading northeast into the Atlantic.
- Tropical Depression Gert is weakening in the Atlantic and is expected to dissipate "at any time."
- The remnants of Tropical Storm Emily are in the Atlantic and may redevelop.
- Another system in the Atlantic is expected to strengthen later this week.
What's next: Now is a good time to check your emergency supplies as we head toward the peak of hurricane season on Sept. 10.
See the latest tropical outlook
Editor's note: This story has been updated with new forecast information and graphics.