Tropical Storm Arthur Forms in the Gulf: Here's What You Need to Know

Tropical Storm Arthur is currently expected to remain near or just offshore of the upper Texas coastline before crossing inland east of the Sabine River.

The storm has formed in the western Gulf of Mexico and is tracking northeast along the Texas coast. As of 10 a.m., the storm's rotating center was approximately 40 miles east-northeast of Port O'Connor, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Gulf Coast from High Island in Southeast Texas to Morgan City on the central Louisiana coast. This means that tropical storm winds of at least 39 mph are expected within the warning area within the next 12 hours.

Heavy rainfall and localized flooding remain the primary concerns for Houston and Southeast Texas, with the storm expected to move northeast along the Texas coast through Wednesday and then turn inland across Louisiana.

The storm's center is expected to remain relatively weak and short-lived, moving near the upper Texas coast Wednesday before making landfall in Louisiana later Wednesday or Wednesday night.

Farther east, the same setup increases the risk of life-threatening flash flooding as Arthur moves inland.

Justin Ballard is the Houston Chronicle's newsroom meteorologist, responsible for posting daily weather forecasts and in-depth weather and climate stories that impact the residents of Southeast Texas.