FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2020 AS OF 8:00 AM EDT
Tropical Storm Cristobal has weakened to a depression over Mexico and is projected to re-strengthen as it moves inland toward the United States (US) Gulf Coast, with tropical storm conditions of sustained winds of 39-73 miles per hour (mph) expected on the evening of Friday, June 5. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS), the depression is moving inland at 6 nautical miles per hour (kt) as of 5 a.m. Eastern Daily Time (EDT), with tropical storm conditions in the US expected from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a state of emergency in advance of Cristobal, to remain in effect from June 4 to July 3 (unless terminated sooner). A Flash Flood Watch was issued for part of the state, with heavy rains of up to 10 inches expected. Edwards stressed that it was “critically important” for state residents to know about the threat. “Our state, local, and federal partners have spent the past several days working with local governments and emergency officials preparing for issues related to this and the ongoing COVID-19 emergency. They are ready to respond as needed,” Edwards added.
Tropical Depression Cristobal center location: NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC)
The NWS issued flood watches covering the region of Louisiana to Florida, and several of the flood watches include the potential for bands of heavy rainfall ahead of Cristobal. According to The Weather Channel, the heaviest rainfall and greatest flood risk is slated to hit to the east of Cristobal’s path from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, with a risk of reaching the Florida Peninsula as well.
During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Get to higher ground. Do not drive or walk into water. It only takes 6 inches of water to knock you off your feet. https://t.co/di8kZhhW3a #WeatherReady pic.twitter.com/8BhxBgbYYO
— National Weather Service (@NWS) June 4, 2020
NWS Twitter: Source
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages individuals to prepare before a Tropical Storm or Hurricane. Individuals should be prepared and not scared by planning in advance for extreme weather conditions. The Hagerty Blog Team will continue providing information and updates.
FEMA Guidance on Emergency Preparedness: Source
PUBLIC ADVISORIES
Here’s the breakdown of public advisories from NOAA’s NHC:
TROPICAL STORM WARNING:
RELATED STORIES
- Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for a storm and how to keep you and your family safe
- COVID-19 Pandemic Operational Guidance for the 2020 Hurricane Season
Keep track of Hagerty’s coverage here: