Potential first tropical cyclone of the year developing in the Gulf

Forecasters are watching a developing tropical disturbance in the western Gulf of Mexico, which could become the first tropical cyclone of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center issued a preliminary advisory for Potential Tropical Cyclone One on Tuesday morning.

The system was located between Corpus Christi, Texas, and Lake Charles, Louisiana, moving northeastward with 30 mph winds. While it currently lacks a well-defined center, forecasters anticipate it will likely intensify and reach tropical storm strength by Wednesday.

Regardless of whether it becomes a named storm, the system poses serious hazards to coastal areas of northeastern Texas, southwestern Louisiana, and parts of Alabama and Mississippi. The Florida Panhandle could also see impacts. Dangerous rainfall and flash flooding are the main concerns, with "significant river flooding" and potentially prolonged flood threats extending into the weekend.

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significant river flooding

A tropical storm watch is in effect for the northwestern Gulf Coast from Sargent, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana. Major cities like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and New Orleans are expected to experience excessive rainfall over the next 48 hours. Flood watches and warnings cover more than 40 million people, with some areas bracing for 2 to 4 inches of rain per hour.

Several locations have already been hit hard by heavy rain. Austin, San Antonio, and Shreveport, Louisiana, reported record rainfall on Monday. Shreveport and San Antonio received more rain in a single day than they had seen since the late 19th century.

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prolonged rainfall may extend the flood threat into the weekend