Tropical Storm Arthur formed close to the Texas coast and is expected to bring significant rainfall and the potential for dangerous flooding across parts of the southeastern United States, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Wednesday.
The storm, identified as the first named system of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, was located about 40 miles (60 km) east-northeast of Port O'Connor, Texas. At the time of the advisory the NHC reported Arthur's maximum sustained winds at 40 miles per hour (65 km/h).
Forecasters projected cumulative rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches from the system, with isolated higher amounts approaching 20 inches in certain locations. The NHC specified that these heavier totals were possible through early Friday, stretching from the Mid and Upper Texas coast east-northeast into southern and central Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, as well as western portions of Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.
Those rainfall amounts, the Miami-based agency said, could generate dangerous to life-threatening flash flooding in affected areas.
The NHC announced that a tropical storm warning is in effect from High Island, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana. In addition, a tropical storm watch covers the area from Sargent, Texas, to High Island, Texas.
Regarding the storm's future intensity, the NHC noted: "Little change in strength is expected before the center moves over land. Weakening is anticipated once the low moves inland, and it could dissipate by tonight or early Thursday."
Clear and accurate situational awareness remains essential for communities under warnings and watches. The NHC's advisory highlights heavy rainfall and the associated risk of flash flooding as the primary hazards at this stage of Arthur's lifecycle.