A low-pressure system just over 100 miles south of Louisiana’s southern coast was gradually becoming better organized over the water, with thunderstorms and showers. The National Hurricane Center said in its morning update on August 31 that this tropical disturbance, AL97, was likely to become a short-lived tropical depression or tropical storm before reaching the Upper Texas or southwestern Louisiana coast Tuesday.
Areas Affected
The National Hurricane Center put the system’s chance of developing into a tropical depression or tropical storm at 70 percent within 48 hours and 70 percent within seven days. The low is moving slowly west-northwest and, whether or not it develops, was expected to bring locally heavy rain to the Upper Texas and southwestern Louisiana coasts over the following several days. An Air Force Reserve reconnaissance aircraft was scheduled to investigate the system directly that morning. The National Hurricane Center urged residents of southwestern Louisiana and the Upper Texas coast to monitor conditions, saying that a tropical storm watch or warning could be issued later that day.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
Anyone planning to camp or RV along the Texas or Louisiana Gulf Coast should check the National Hurricane Center’s latest advisories frequently. If staying at a campground or low-lying RV park, it is wise to prepare an evacuation plan in advance should a tropical storm watch be issued. Retract awnings and slide-outs ahead of strong winds, and avoid campsites directly along the beach, where flooding becomes more likely as onshore winds strengthen. Even before the system makes landfall, localized downpours and flash flooding can spread inland, so travelers whose routes cross low-lying areas should identify alternate routes as well. Notices from local emergency management agencies can also be helpful.
Photo: abbeyprivate / Original photo. Public domain. Photo date: 2023-04-29 17:29:50. Resized and compressed for display.
