Motorists react in New Orleans react as the intersection at Franklin Ave. and 610 floods after a severe thunderstorm Wednesday, July 10, 2019. A storm swamped streets in New Orleans and prompted a tornado warning near the city Wednesday as concerns grew that even worse weather is on the way to Louisiana and other states along the Gulf of Mexico. (Max Becherer/The Advocate via AP)NEW ORLEANS (AP) – A potential tropical storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico presents twin troubles for parts of southeast Louisiana – the possibility that a high Mississippi River will be lapping at the tops of levees this weekend, and a danger of flash floods like the one that unexpectedly walloped New Orleans on Wednesday.
The Gulf of Mexico disturbance that dumped as much as 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain in parts of metro New Orleans in a three-hour span was forecast to strengthen into a tropical depression Thursday, a tropical storm called Barry Thursday night, and, possibly, a weak hurricane by Friday.
Forecasters said Louisiana could see up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain by Monday, with isolated areas receiving as much as 18 inches (46 centimeters). And the storm’s surge at the mouth of the Mississippi could also mean a river that’s been running high for months will rise even higher.
Mississippi and Texas were also at risk of torrential rains.
New Orleans got an early taste Wednesday of what may be in store. News outlets said a tornado may have been responsible for wind damage to one home, while floodwaters invaded some downtown hotels and businesses as streets became small rivers that accommodated kayakers. The floods paralyzed rush-hour traffic and stalled cars around the city.