Tropical Storm ‘Claudette’ Expected To Make Landfall Near Louisiana Coastline

Written by Sarrah Pelorus

Last updated 6/18/2021, 7:57:32 PM

Approximately 7 million people are currently under warnings for heavy winds and rain as tropical storm Claudette develops in the Gulf of Mexico. After forming and gaining it’s official name, it is expected to hit the Louisiana coastline tonight. Louisiana was hit hard by heavy rain and flooding last month and is currently under a state of emergency. The storm is forecast to hit Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana and the Florida panhandle throughout the weekend. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for the area from Louisiana through the Florida panhandle. Last year, two hurricanes hit Louisiana within weeks: a category 4 Hurricane Laura hit in August near Lake Charles, and Hurricane Delta hit the area six weeks later.

Infrared Satellite:

The National Hurricane Center has issued Tropical Storm Warnings across the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama Gulf Coasts as tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 hours or less. Per the NHC’s most recent 4PM update, PTC3’s track has shifted very little.

Latest Radar:

As a result of wind shear, the system will stay weak in intensity with most of the heaviest rain hitting the east of its center as the storm tracks onshore before moving inland. The highest threats at this time remain increased flooding and heavy rainfall with totals between 2-4+ inches throughout New Orleans proper and 6-10+ inches east, along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Timing for Gulf Coast impacts will be between Friday night and Saturday, with additional rain chances unrelated to this system Sunday and Monday.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 1/5 Marginal Risk for severe weather across southeast Louisiana tonight to Saturday given a low-end tornado threat as outer bands move through. Storm surge levels appear minimal between 2-4 feet, and wind gusts will likely range from 35-50 miles per hour, meaning power outages are a possibility.

The next name on the Hurricane Season 2021 naming list is Claudette, as Tropical Storm Bill has already came and went off of the East Coast. The next name after that is Danny!

This hurricane season is expected to be extremely active. Track the storms with us at weatherTAP.com! Start your free trial today with no risk and no credit card information required at sign-up.