Houston, Texas – Southeast Texas residents should use the next several days to prepare for changing tropical conditions as Tropical Depression Two slowly drifts across the Gulf. While significant uncertainty remains in the storm’s eventual track and strength, forecasters say the potential for increasing rain, gusty winds and hazardous marine conditions will grow by the second half of the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston and the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Depression Two was nearly stationary in the eastern Gulf Sunday afternoon but is expected to begin a slow northwestward drift before turning west by midweek. The system is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm over the northeastern Gulf by Monday or Tuesday.
Current projections indicate the system could approach southeast Texas by Thursday or Friday, although forecasters stress that confidence in the exact track and intensity remains low. Residents should avoid focusing on the center line of the forecast cone, as tropical impacts often occur well outside the projected path.
Tropical Storm-force winds could begin reaching the coastal Gulf waters as early as Wednesday evening, creating dangerous conditions for mariners. Rain and thunderstorm chances are expected to increase across Houston, Galveston, Beaumont, Lake Jackson, Bay City and surrounding communities from Thursday into Friday, with additional forecast adjustments likely over the coming days.
The National Weather Service notes that Hurricane Hunter aircraft have already been sampling the system to improve forecasts, and confidence in both timing and impacts should increase as new data becomes available.
Residents along the upper Texas coast should review hurricane preparedness plans, ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and monitor forecasts daily. Boaters should be prepared for rapidly deteriorating marine conditions later this week, and additional tropical watches or warnings could become necessary if Tropical Depression Two strengthens or shifts closer to the Texas coast.
