NewsNational

Actions

100% chance of tropical depression forming in Gulf of Mexico, could strengthen to hurricane

Posted
and last updated

The Hurricane Center said there is a 100% chance of a tropical depression forming in the Gulf of Mexico. They say by Thursday night it's forecast to become a tropical storm and by Friday it could form into a hurricane.

Tropical storm and storm surge watches have been issued for parts of Louisiana.

The governor of Louisiana declared a state of emergency on Wednesday ahead of the storm.

"I have issued a state of emergency today in preparation for the impact of the low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico. The system will likely produce storm surge, hurricane-force winds & up to 15 inches of rain across the state," Governor Jon Bel Edwards wrote on Twitter.

The governor encouraged residents to check their emergency supplies and get a plan together now.

"I urge the public to continue monitoring local media for weather developments and follow the directions of local officials."

WFTS meteorologist Jason Adams said as the potential tropical system forms over the Gulf of Mexico, the increasing wave action will strengthen the rip-current risk to be high.

This story was originally published on WFTS .