TS Debby Forms...to Drift Westward South of LA Coast

Posted: Jun 23, 2012 5:41 PM by Rob Perillo
Updated: Jun 25, 2012 10:48 AM

Tropical Storm Debby has formed in the Gulf of Mexico about 220 miles to the south-southeast of the Mouth of the Mississippi River or roughly near 26.2N and 87.6W with maximum sustained winds near 50mph.

Debby is drifting northward near 6mph but will stall early tomorrow and then begin to drift westward.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect along the coast from the Pearl River in Mississippi to Morgan City, meaning tropical storm winds & weather will be possible in these areas within 24 hours.

Debby may slowly strengthen is it moves westward Sunday and Monday bringing tropical storm conditions to the rest of the Louisiana Coast and offshore into Monday.

The main effects of this system should be mainly offshore Acadiana...but the following conditions are expected for the area given Saturday's forecast guidance...

Winds: Breezier winds Sunday, gusty winds Monday through Wednesday...depending on Debby's track and intensity this should mainly be a pleasant breeze to occasionally a windy event more so from I-10 southward to the coast where wind gusts to 20-25mph will be possible Sunday, 20-30mph Monday and 25-35mph Tuesday and perhaps Wednesday. Higher winds will be closer to the coast while lighter winds, perhaps much lighter, will be found well inland.

Rainfall: Not much, perhaps none, but the risk of some tropical rain bands will be possible SE Louisiana Sunday and across the coastal parishes Monday. A better chance of more tropical rain bands will be possible Tuesday...but most of this system may stay offshore.

Tides: Tides may run 1-2ft above normal through Monday, increasing to 2-3ft above normal or higher Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday could be trouble days for the coast, especially if Debby nears hurricane strength and moves slowly...then persistent tides could rise 3-5ft or higher so this could be the main issue with Debby.

Offshore: Tropical storm conditions will be likely beginning late Sunday and continuing through Wednesday. Offshore interests should be prepared for possible hurricane conditions with 40-60kt winds and seas building 15-20ft in deep water areas. Conditions should slowly improve after Wednesday.

Stay with KATC and the National Hurricane Center for the latest.