MIDWAY, Fla. (WTXL) — Ragged-looking Tropical Storm Barry is in the Gulf of Mexico with 40 mph winds, just south of the Mississippi and Louisiana gulf shores Thursday afternoon.
The storm is expected to bring storm surge, rainfall and wind hazards to the central Gulf Coast late Friday through the weekend and it gradually strengthens, perhaps into Category 1 hurricane level by landfall.
Given these forecast projections, local impacts from Barry are expected to be primarily focused on occasional rain. In general, up to two inches can occur between now and the weekend, mainly from swift-moving patchy showers and thunderstorms. Extreme rain events are not expected locally.
While active marine conditions are not likely (aside from the existence of thunderstorms and rain), offshore seas can become rougher, with wave heights reaching six to nine feet well offshore. A significant increase in coastal water level is not anticipated.
No tropical storm watches or warnings exist in our local region. The nearest advisories line along the Louisiana and Mississippi coastal zones.
The First Alert Weather Team will have updates throughout the week regarding the progress of the system. Follows us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
