Disturbance Becomes Barry

Disturbance becomes Tropical Storm Barry and new watches and warnings have been issued.

The latest track on Barry shows that it has shifted slightly East. A motion to the West-Northwest is expected on Friday followed by a turn to the Northwest early Saturday. It will approach the Louisiana coast this weekend as a potential hurricane. Storm surge, heavy rains and hurricane conditions possible across the North-Central Gulf coast and impacts beyond landfall will be felt not only along the coastal communities, but well into the Lower Mississippi Valley over the next 7 days.

Hurricane-force winds (winds over 74 mph possible) could arrive in the hurricane watch area in Southern Louisiana by Friday night, with tropical storm-force winds (winds over 39 mph possible) by early Friday.

Tropical Storm-force winds could arrive in the tropical storm watch areas in Southeastern Louisiana as soon as late Thursday and no later than early Friday.

Anytime we have slow-moving storm system it means plenty of heavy rain. Unfortunately computer models are showing that up to 2 feet of rain will be possible within the Flash Flood Watch area through Sunday. Already up 9 inches of rain have fallen around the New Orleans Metropolitan area.

Storm surge flooding will only make the problem worse from all the rainfall flooding that is expected. As the onshore flow increases, coastal flooding at high tide could happen as soon as Thursday night along the Northern Gulf Coast. The peak water rise from storm surge will occur along and to the East of this system wherever it makes landfall. That will take place late Friday into Saturday.

Rest of the Tropics: 

We now move into the Atlantic Ocean where we are following a tropical wave producing disorganized shower activity several hundred miles Southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. The National Hurricane is suggesting that it has a low chance to form through the next 5 days before conditions become unfavorable. It is far away and we have plenty of time watch.

Local Weather: 

South winds will keep our typical Summer steam and chance of afternoon scattered storms in the forecast. Rain chances are between 30-40%. By Friday, winds veer out of the Southeast allowing Saharan Dust to arrive. That should limit our rain chances into the weekend. However, those who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues should take proper precautions. Temperatures will remain hot with highs in the 90’s. Also, rip current risk will gradually increase at area beaches.

Keep it tuned to your Storm Station for the latest! 

Vivian Gonzalez

Meteorologist, AMS Certified

WSVN Channel 7