The Tropical Storm Arthur, The first cyclone of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season threatens the southern coast of USAmainly Texas and Louisiana, with intense rains, strong winds and potentially deadly flash floods, reported the National Hurricane Center (NHC, in English).
The system formed in the Gulf of Mexico and was located near the Texas coast, with maximum sustained winds of 75 km/h and moving towards the north-northeast at 11 km/h. Its tropical storm-force winds extended up to 280 kilometers from the center, according to the most recent NHC bulletin.
Arthur maintains a tropical storm warning between Sargent, Texas, and Morgan City, Louisiana. Although it is expected to weaken as it moves inland, its rains could extend the threat of flooding into Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, northwest Florida and Georgia.
States under threat from Arthur
The areas most at risk are Texas and Louisiana, where heavy rain, coastal flooding, strong winds and dangerous waves are expected. There is also a flash flood watch in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.
The NHC warned that rainfall could accumulate between 12.5 and 25 centimeters, with isolated maximums of up to 50 centimeters. In some areas, rainfall rates could reach 5 to 10 centimeters per hour, increasing the risk of rapid flooding and road blockages.
Waves, storm surge and possible tornadoes
In addition to rain, Arthur generates storm surge, rip currents and dangerous surf on the northwest coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The authorities also maintain surveillance for possible isolated tornadoes in coastal areas and areas under the influence of the system.
Tropical Storm Arthur has formed in the Gulf, with the system expected to produce rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches, and up to 20 inches in some areas. @Ginger_Zee reports and has the forecast as millions are on alert for tornadoes set to slam the Midwest. https://t.co/twwm8rTXHC pic.twitter.com/tYS5dGl0aM
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) June 18, 2026
In sectors between Port Bolivar, Texas, and Morgan City, Louisiana, moderate coastal flooding is expected that could affect roads, low-lying areas and communities near the coast.
Arthur was formed when parts of Texas were already experiencing heavy rain and flooding. In Montgomery County, near Houston, a 15-year-old boy died after falling into a retention pond while playing near a construction zone, according to local authorities.
The tropical storm has formed #Arthur from the potential tropical cyclone One. It is located off the coast of Texas, United States.
It does not represent a risk for Yucatán. pic.twitter.com/9io88aalWW
— Government of Yucatán (@GobYucatan) June 17, 2026
In Mississippi, the city of Picayune declared a state of emergency after heavy rains that left almost 18 centimeters of water in six hours. The authorities distributed sandbags and put emergency services on alert.
First Atlantic storm of 2026
Arthur is the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and ends Nov. 30. NOAA predicted up to 14 named storms and six hurricanes in the Atlantic this year.
The first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has developed.
what is now #TropicalStormArthur can be seen in the most recent imagery from @NOAA‘s #GOESEast (#GOES19) satellite this morning.For the latest forecasts and advisories on #Arthurplease visit… https://t.co/NmfUfaAPyx pic.twitter.com/hdDrvK99QV
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) June 17, 2026
Authorities asked residents and tourists in areas under warning to stay alert to official bulletins, avoid flooded areas, not cross roads covered in water and follow local emergency instructions.
Arthur’s career live
