Tropical Depression 17 strengthened into Tropical Storm Olga on the afternoon of Oct. 25, with forecasters saying it will bring 2-4 inches of rain to the central Gulf Coast and into the Mississippi Valley through Saturday morning.
A tropical depression has wind speeds of less than 39 mph, while a tropical storm can reach wind speeds of up to 73 mph. Olga had winds of 40 mph.
Tropical Storm #Olga Advisory 2: Depression Becomes Tropical Storm Olga. https://t.co/VqHn0u1vgc
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 25, 2019
Olga will move into Louisiana late Friday as it merges with a cold front. That combination should bring rainfall. Isolated amounts over 4 inches are possible.
Newly-formed Tropical Depression 17 may briefly become a tropical storm before being absorbed by a cold front. Regardless, heavy rainfall in excess of 2 inches is likely along the Central Gulf Coast along with Gale-force winds and coastal flooding.https://t.co/VyWINDk3xP pic.twitter.com/qCZrt4YtTx
— National Weather Service (@NWS) October 25, 2019
“The main threat from the system will be heavy rain,” CNN Senior Meteorologist Dave Hennen says. “Over 8 million are under flash flood watches in the South. Cities like New Orleans, Jackson and Memphis could see flooding later today into tomorrow.”
There is a marginal to slight risk of flash flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch in effect for parts of Alabama and Mississippi. The National Weather Service warns of isolated gusts of wind up to 65 mph and the possibility of hail.
A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Alabama and Mississippi until 4 PM CDT pic.twitter.com/8TZCdbxukT
— NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) October 25, 2019
“This system is a bit of a hybrid,” Hennen says. “It will likely not remain tropical for long as it gets absorbed in a frontal system moving through the Gulf. Even though that is the case, it will still have impacts along the Gulf Coast with winds of 40 to 50 mph possible, along with heavy rain and even a storm surge.”
