The National Hurricane Center says the system has a 40% chance of becoming a tropical storm in the next five days.
The system could shed 4 to 10 inches of rain across parts of the Gulf Coast and inland Texas, creating a substantial flood threat.
This week’s afternoon storms will shed several inches of rain in major metropolitan areas such as Houston and Lafayette before this system affects the Gulf.
Certain areas of Texas, including Austin and San Antonio, will also see heavy rains and a possible flood threat as the system moves inland over the weekend and early next week.
The country is especially vulnerable to weather events at this time due to Covid-19, making it difficult for people to evacuate when necessary. Shelters may not be available, and if they are, evacuees may face crowded locations and may have to share supplies.
“This year’s storms are different from any other year because you have to consider Covid,” said Chinchar. “It doesn’t have to be a really big storm to become a big problem.”
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