Tropical Storm Lee To Come Ashore Labor Day Weekend [VIDEO]

Louisiana's governor Bobby Jindal has declared a state of emergency as a slow-moving area of storms lumbers toward the state from the Gulf of Mexico, bringing the possibility of flash floods and stormy seas.

Gov. Bobby Jindal says the National Weather Service is not predicting a hurricane but says a tropical storm is likely and could dump 12 to 15 inches of rain onto coastal and inland areas over the next 48 hours. Hurricane Tracker

Tropical Storm Lee is forecast to crawl ashore late Saturday or Sunday along the Louisiana coast, but may move slowly near the Gulf Coast Sunday or even early Monday before shifting inland into the Southeast. Most likely, Lee will remain a tropical storm, although we can't yet rule out Lee reaching minimal hurricane status prior to landfall.

• Saturday: Tropical storm conditions impact coastal Louisiana. Heavy rain, coastal flooding, some power outages.
• Sunday: Heavy rain continues, coastal flooding, tornado potential
• Monday: Heavy rain spreads into Tennesee Valley/Appalachians. Rain tapers off in Louisiana, Mississippi Gulf Coast, but may persist in AL Gulf Coast, FL Panhandle.

Hurricane Central | Be Prepared | NOAA
| Hurricane Tracker

The primary threat with this complex system will be persistent heavy rainfall through the holiday weekend that will likely cause flash flooding. Strong winds will also be a concern along with increasing higher than normal tides.

As tropical storm Lee approaches, sustained tropical storm force winds are expected to begin early Saturday afternoon. Maximum winds are forecast to be in the 40 to 50 mph range with gusts to 75 mph.

Minor to moderate damage is likely to many mobile homes, especially those that have canopies, awnings, or carports. Poorly constructed homes may sustain minor wall damage and partial roof removal.

Other homes may have minor roof and siding damage. Some loose outdoor items will be tossed around and may cause additional damage.

Tropical Storm Lee is forecast to come ashore sometime this Labor Day weekend, however impacts from this system will precede any landfall.

Heavy rains could eventually spread farther north and east across the southern region if Lee interacts with a frontal boundary moving towards the East Coast Sunday through Tuesday.

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Be Prepared

NOAA