Tropical Storm Arthur’s Remnants Cause Flooding and Tornado Threats Across Gulf and Midwest

On Thursday the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur moved inland across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida Panhandle, delivering up to three inches per hour of rain. National Weather Service issued flash-flood and tornado warnings for southern Louisiana and Mississippi, and reported flooded streets as tens of thousands lost power.

Tropical storm remnants pound Gulf states with heavy rain after tornadoes hit the MidwestTropical Storm Arthur forms in the Gulf off Texas, NWS says

Arthur formed on June 17 in the Gulf near Texas, first named storm. Tropical-storm warnings covered the Texas and Louisiana coasts, with winds near 40 mph. The storm was expected to hug the coast, turn inland Wednesday night, weakening. Forecasts called for 2-4 ft surge from Port Bolivar to Morgan City and isolated weak tornadoes in southeast Texas, southern Louisiana and southern Mississippi.

Tropical Storm Arthur forms in the Gulf off Texas, NWS saysTropical storm remnants pound Gulf states with heavy rain after tornadoes hit the Midwest

National Weather Service projected 5–10 inches of rain, with isolated 20-inch peaks, across the Gulf states through early Friday, including 2–4 inches per hour near Baton Rouge and southern Mississippi. Power outages affected tens of thousands of Gulf-coast customers and 130,000 in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. A tornado near Effingham, Illinois caused significant damage; possible tornadoes were also reported in Kentucky, Wisconsin and Alabama.

Tropical storm remnants pound Gulf states with heavy rain after tornadoes hit the Midwest

National Hurricane Center director Michael Brennan said the main danger was a prolonged, multiday heavy-rainfall event capable of flash flooding. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno organized police boats, flood-area barricades and sand-bag stations. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch from Houston to Atlanta and warned of flash flooding. Effingham Fire Chief Brant Yochum reported extensive damage to homes, roads and utilities after the Illinois tornado.

Tropical storm remnants pound Gulf states with heavy rain after tornadoes hit the Midwest

In Covington, Louisiana, volunteers filled bags and moved equipment from rising rivers; media showed street flooding and barricades.

Tropical storm remnants pound Gulf states with heavy rain after tornadoes hit the Midwest

Rainfall estimates differed: the National Weather Service cited 5–10 inches with isolated 20-inch peaks, while another agency projected 4–8 inches for Gulf states. No Gulf fatalities were reported, and Midwest tornado casualty details remain limited.

Tropical Storm Arthur forms in the Gulf off Texas, NWS says

• “The main threat from Arthur is going to be a prolonged, multiday, heavy rainfall event that could produce dangerous to life-threatening flash flooding,” — Michael Brennan, NHC

Tropical storm remnants pound Gulf states with heavy rain after tornadoes hit the Midwest

• “We both decided we got so much rain yesterday at our house that it was probably a good idea just to pick up a few bags,” — Luke Barwick, sand-bag volunteer

Tropical storm remnants pound Gulf states with heavy rain after tornadoes hit the Midwest

• “A tornado caused significant damage in areas north of the City of Effingham, impacting homes, roadways, utilities, and other property throughout portions of Effingham County,” — Brant Yochum, Fire Chief

Tropical storm remnants pound Gulf states with heavy rain after tornadoes hit the Midwest

• “A flood watch is in effect from Houston to Atlanta.” — NWS

Tropical Storm Arthur forms in the Gulf off Texas, NWS says

Heavy rain is expected through Friday, moving east toward Atlanta, Montgomery and Mobile, then Florida Panhandle and the Carolinas. The system is forecast to cross central Appalachians and reach New England on Thursday, extending flood risk beyond Gulf.

Tropical Storm Arthur forms in the Gulf off Texas, NWS says