US: Texas governor declares state of disaster ahead of Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura August 23 /update 2

Event

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster on Sunday, August 23, ahead of the approach of Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura. The state of disaster currently affects 23 counties, a full list of which can be found here. In addition to declaring the state of disaster, Abbott has asked the federal government to declare a federal emergency in the affected areas and provide assistance.

Marco strengthened into a category one hurricane on Sunday and is forecast to make landfall in Louisiana between Monday, August 24, and Tuesday, August 25. Marco is currently located 401km (249mi) south of Louisiana and is currently sustaining winds of up to 120kmh (75mph). A storm surge warning is in place between Morgan City (Louisiana) and Ocean Springs (Mississippi) where surges could reach up to 1.8m (6ft) in some areas. A hurricane warning is also in place between Morgan City (Louisiana) and the mouth of the Pearl River. Hurricane watches are also in place for Intercostal City and Metropolitan New Orleans (Louisiana).

Tropical Storm Laura is currently positioned to the south of Guantanamo (Cuba) as it moves in a northwest direction. Laura is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it crosses the Gulf of Mexico. Laura is expected to reach category two; however, it may become category three prior to landfall in Louisiana between Wednesday, August 26, and Thursday, August 27. The National Weather Service (NWS) also issued tropical storm and hurricane watches for coastal areas of Alabama, the Florida Keys and the western Florida Panhandle, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Heavy rainfall and associated flooding are possible over the coming days, along with associated disruptions to business and transport.

Context

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from late May through to the end of November, with activity typically peaking in late August and early September. Numerous tropical storms form in the Atlantic Ocean during this period, with most affecting the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the east coast of the United States. Although communities in the region are generally well prepared for adverse weather conditions during the hurricane season, severe storms bring a significant risk of flooding and infrastructural damage.

The country's Eastern and Gulf seaboards are vulnerable to tropical systems during hurricane season (June - November), although the southeast from Texas through Virginia is most at risk of a direct impact from a strong storm. Changing weather patterns in recent years have also resulted in severe flooding in areas previously unfamiliar with such events, and many have faulted global warming.

Advice

Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.