Meteorologists expect that Hurricane Lidia will merge with a tropical disturbance brewing in the Gulf of Mexico. The combined storms are expected to bring heavy rain to southern Texas and Louisiana by Wednesday.
The forecast is welcome news for Louisiana, which has been plagued by drought all summer. The entire state of Louisiana is suffering from abnormally dry conditions or worse, according to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor Map. Nearly 58 percent of the state is suffering from exceptional drought, the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) most severe classification. The incoming rain will be "beneficial" for the state, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
"Rain: Expected to begin early Wednesday, spreading east and becoming moderate to heavy at times. Greatest totals will be along the coast with some minor flooding potential—but for most, it'll be beneficial," NWS New Orleans posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday morning.
🌧️ Rain: Expected to begin early Wednesday, spreading east and becoming moderate to heavy at times. Greatest totals will be along the coast with some minor flooding potential - but for most, it'll be beneficial. #lawx #mswx (2/5) pic.twitter.com/8L1D3pAD62
— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) October 10, 2023
The NWS added that the storm in the Bay of Campeche is expected to bring lots of rain to Louisiana regardless of if it becomes a tropical storm.
AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva told Newsweek that much of Hurricane Lidia's moisture will be wrung out as it passes through the mountains in central Mexico. However, the hurricane—which is currently classified as a Category 2 with sustained windspeeds of 100 miles per hour—is anticipated to merge with a system forming in the Bay of Campeche south of the Gulf of Mexico. The combined storms will bring heavy rainfall to the southern parts of Texas and Louisiana.
The forecast warned of a heightened risk of flash floods in Texas, as the dry soil will struggle to absorb much water. However, heavy rainfall is good news for that part of the U.S.
"Anybody down there is probably praying for rain," DaSilva told Newsweek. "It looks like they will get some. Not enough to bust them out of the drought, but any bit helps."
Texas is forecast to receive 1 to 2 inches of rain, DaSilva said, whereas parts of Louisiana could receive up to 4 inches of rain.
"That system will bring a good deal of rain to the northern Gulf Coast," DaSilva said.
Rain will begin to fall on Wednesday and could continue through Thursday.
Much of Lidia's wind will have weakened by the time the storms reach the southern U.S. In its most recent update, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Lidia could strengthen into a major hurricane later today but is expected to weaken quickly after the storm moves inland in Mexico.
The NWS said it will be "breezy" in the northern Gulf Coast on Wednesday, with wind gusts ranging from 20 to 30 miles per hour.
About the writer
Anna Skinner is a Newsweek senior reporter based in Indianapolis. Her focus is reporting on the climate, environment and weather ... Read more
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