Gulf Coast braces for flooding as storm system tracks west

July 16 - (The Insurer) – A weather system designated as Invest 93L is moving westward through Florida’s Panhandle after crossing the northern part of the state on Tuesday, bringing the risk of heavy rainfall and flash flooding to parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The National Hurricane Center has given the system a medium chance of developing into a tropical cyclone if it reemerges over the Gulf of Mexico. However, forecasters say the primary concern is flooding, with rain expected to intensify from Thursday through Saturday.

Should the weather system be designated as a named storm, it will be known as Dexter. This year's Atlantic season has yet to see a storm reach hurricane strength.

The U.S. Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 (moderate) flash flood risk for Friday across south-central and southwestern Louisiana, including Lake Charles, Lafayette, and parts of Baton Rouge. Rainfall totals could reach up to 15 inches in some areas, prompting flood watches across the region.

Earlier this week, the system delivered beneficial rain to drought-stricken parts of Florida, although isolated areas such as Plant City had double-digit rainfall totals. Despite the downpours, only four flash flood warnings were issued statewide, highlighting the severity of the state’s ongoing drought.