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In this handout satellite image provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Tropical Storm Alex is seen as it closes in to land near the Mexico-Texas border on June 29, as seen from space of the Gulf of Mexico. (NOAA via Getty Images)
Tropical Storm Alex will soon become the first named hurricane of the season. Currently, Alex is blowing northwestward above the Gulf of Mexico with winds of 70 mph. According to accuweather.com, the storm is expected to become Category 2 hurricane with its first landfall south of Brownsville, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon.
A Category 2 hurricane is strong enough to cause flooding, rain, and strong winds that can further lead to rain and window breakage, as well as uprooting of small trees. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was Category 4.
Governor of Texas, Rick Perry has declared 19 counties on southern Texas coast states of disaster. “Tropical Storm Alex is now in the Gulf, and it is imperative that residents pay attention to this storm, heed warnings from their local leaders, and take the steps necessary to protect their families, homes, and businesses,” said the governor according to a press release from his office. No notice of evacuation has been issued, but 2,500 guardsmen, 100 buses, 8 helicopters and 3 aircrafts have been activated for immediate assistance if needed.
There is a possibility that the hurricane will upgrade to Category 3 though it is not forecasted right now, said Andy Mussoline, a representative from AccuWeather.com.
Hurricane Alex is expected to land with a speed between 96 mph to 110 mph. The hurricane will certainly cause heavy thunder storms in southern Texas and part of the area by the coastline of Louisiana. A certain degree of coastal flooding will also follow, mostly likely in southern Texas and Tamaulips, Mexico. Though there has been no official arrangement of evacuation, “warnings have been sent out, so is it recommended for residents of affected area[s] to evacuate,” said Mussoline. He also pointed out that people should stay indoors to avoid lightning strick, and those at home may encounter roof, window and power damage, so preparation should be made in advance.
The Hurricane Prep Center also recommends enough storage of drinking water, and food, and other basic groceries for more than seven days, in case the hurricane becomes a Category 3.
Response from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that recent Gulf oil spill will have little effect on the hurricane and vice versa, because the size of the oil slick is relatively small compared to the area spanned by Alex. But it is possible that the wind will spread the oil over a larger area, and part of the oil stick will be blown closer to the coast or broken down into smaller pools.
