Tropical threat increasing with heavy rain and two potential storms

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Hurricane season is in its second week and already there is plenty to talk about. Right now the National Hurricane Center is focusing on a potential tropical event developing over the Yucatan Peninsula early next week, with a 50% chance of becoming a tropical depression.

Tropical forecast models are mostly in agreement that this future depression will move west northwest toward Veracruz or Tampico, well south of the Valley, by Wednesday or Thursday of next week. This track puts the system in a good spot to push plenty of moisture far enough north to provide widespread rain to the RGV for several days next week.

Rains Monday through Friday could tally up to nearly half a foot and could take us from drought dry to flooding wet. There will be a risk of periodic street flooding next week, but more serious, widespread flooding cannot be ruled out.

This future tropical depression might gain enough strength to become Alberto, the first named storm of the season.

In addition, some forecast data are showing a second area of disturbed weather launching off the Yucatan the following week, June 22, heading toward the Florida Panhandle or Louisiana.