Newly formed Tropical Storm Six expected to rapidly intensify into hurricane, targeting U.S. Gulf Coast

A disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to develop into a tropical storm and potentially a hurricane before reaching the U.S. Gulf Coast by midweek. Known as Potential Tropical Cyclone Six, the storm is currently located south-southeast of the Rio Grande, moving north-northwest. Tropical storm watches are in effect for northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. The storm is forecasted to bring heavy rain and trigger flash flooding in several coastal areas from Mexico to Mississippi. There is a threat of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds along the Louisiana and Upper Texas coastlines. So far in the 2024 Atlantic storm season, there have been five named storms, with three becoming hurricanes. The season was predicted to be above-normal due to warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic, La Niña conditions in the Pacific, and reduced wind shear. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had forecasted a total of 17 to 25 named storms during the season, with eight to 13 expected to become hurricanes. The next storm will be named Francine.

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