North Louisiana appears to be out of the path of a developing tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico, although forecasters say the region could see an uptick in showers and thunderstorms later this week as moisture from the system moves inland.
The National Hurricane Center said Sunday that a broad area of low pressure in the northeastern Gulf has become better organized and has an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression or tropical storm within the next 48 hours. The system is expected to move generally north to northwest. Current forecast models take it toward the Florida Panhandle or the northeastern Gulf Coast, keeping the center well east of Louisiana.
As a result, North Louisiana is not expected to experience damaging winds or other direct tropical impacts. Instead, the primary effect across the region could be an increase in scattered showers and thunderstorms during the middle and latter part of the week as tropical moisture interacts with the area’s typical summertime weather pattern. At this time, forecasters are not calling for widespread heavy rainfall or flooding across Lincoln Parish or the surrounding area.
The greatest impacts are expected farther east, where portions of Florida, Alabama and possibly Mississippi could see periods of heavy rain, localized flooding and gusty winds if the system strengthens before reaching the Gulf Coast.
While the current forecast poses little concern for North Louisiana, the Gulf remains in the heart of hurricane season, and tropical forecasts can change as systems become better organized. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates over the next several days, especially if they have travel plans along the Gulf Coast.
Lincoln Parish residents also have a new tool to help keep track of changing weather conditions close to home. Earlier this summer, Digital Weather Desk activated its high-definition weather camera and weather station atop the Lincoln Parish Courthouse in downtown Ruston. The system provides live views of local conditions along with real-time data, including temperature, wind speed, rainfall and lightning activity, giving residents another way to monitor weather as tropical season continues.
For now, however, the forecast remains favorable for North Louisiana, with no significant tropical impacts expected. The Lincoln Parish Journal will continue monitoring the system and provide updates if the forecast track shifts or any watches or advisories are issued for the area.
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