Tropical Storm Edouard was moving towards the Texas coast on Tuesday, with hurricane watches in force along parts of the Texas-Louisiana border and forecasters warning that the compact system could strengthen before landfall.
The National Hurricane Center said early on Tuesday that Edouard was about 85 miles south-east of Cameron, Louisiana, and 115 miles south-east of Port Arthur, Texas. It had maximum sustained winds of 40mph and was travelling west-north-west at about 7mph. ([nhc.noaa.gov](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/mobile/text/refresh/MIATCPAT5%2Bhtml/010535.shtml?utm_source=openai))
Landfall was expected later on Tuesday near the Sabine Pass area, close to the state line. The Houston-Galveston office of the National Weather Service said tropical storm warnings were in effect for parts of the Texas coast, while a flood watch covered areas from Tuesday morning into Wednesday. ([weather.gov](https://www.weather.gov/lch/?n=e120908&utm_source=openai))
Edouard could strengthen before reaching the coast
Although the storm remained relatively weak, its small circulation means its strength may change quickly. Forecasters said conditions could allow a brief period of rapid intensification before the system moves inland, with maximum sustained winds near 65mph possible at landfall.
The National Weather Service said hurricane-force winds were considered unlikely, but the watch had been issued to allow for the possibility of a late increase in intensity. Tropical storm conditions were expected along parts of the upper Texas and south-western Louisiana coasts from Tuesday into Wednesday. ([weather.gov](https://www.weather.gov/lch/?n=e120908&utm_source=openai))
Rain was expected to be Edouard’s main threat. Forecasts called for between 3in and 6in across affected areas, with isolated totals approaching 9in and the potential for intense hourly rainfall to trigger flash flooding, particularly in low-lying and urban locations. ([nhc.noaa.gov](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/mobile/text/refresh/MIATCPAT5%2Bhtml/010535.shtml?utm_source=openai))
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said flooding was expected to be the most serious problem posed by the storm. Emergency officials also urged people along the upper Texas coast and in south-east Texas to remain alert as the system approached. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/947df7d220e9793e353631f51e40a06c))
“This is our first big storm of the season, and I’ll tell you, Texas is prepared,” Orlando Alanis of the Texas Division of Emergency Management said during a news conference. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/947df7d220e9793e353631f51e40a06c))
Edouard was expected to weaken relatively quickly after moving inland, but forecasters said heavy rain could continue to cause flooding across coastal Texas and parts of Louisiana as the storm passes.
